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David Ben-Gurion

1st Prime Minister of Israel David Ben-Gurion

Profession: 1st Prime Minister of Israel

Nationality:
Israel
Israeli
Poland
Polish

Biography: David Ben-Gurion was the first Prime Minister of Israel and is known as the "founding father" of the State of Israel. His commitment to the establishment of a Jewish state and his leadership during the tumultuous period of its birth have made him a seminal figure in Israeli history.

Ben-Gurion's political career began in the Zionist movement, which advocated for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. He became one of the movement's key leaders and was instrumental in rallying support for the cause, both within the Jewish community and among the international community.

In 1948, Ben-Gurion declared the independence of the State of Israel, marking the culmination of years of effort and struggle. As Israel's first Prime Minister, he guided the young nation through its early challenges, including the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, mass Jewish immigration, and the establishment of key national institutions.

Under Ben-Gurion's leadership, Israel developed its military strength and infrastructure, established its welfare state, and navigated complex international relations. His vision of a socialist state with a strong defense and a commitment to Jewish history and culture shaped much of Israel's early development.

Born: October 16, 1886
Birthplace: Płonsk, Poland

Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Libra

Died: December 1, 1973 (aged 87)
Cause of Death: Cerebral hemorrhage

Articles and Photos

Historical Events

  • 1942-05-12 David Ben-Gurion leaves Jewish state in Palestine
  • 1948-05-14 David Ben-Gurion declares Israel independent from British administration, Golda Meir one of the signatories
  • 1949-01-25 First Israeli election won by David Ben-Gurion's Mapai party
  • 1951-08-01 David Ben-Gurion's Mapai-party wins Israeli parliamentary election
  • 1951-09-01 Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion orders establishment of Israeli secret service Mossad
  • 1951-10-07 David Ben-Gurion forms 3rd Israeli government
  • 1953-11-12 David Ben-Gurion, resigns as Prime Minister of Israel
  • 1953-12-07 Israel's PM Ben-Gurion retires
  • 1955-11-02 David Ben-Gurion forms Israeli government
  • 1957-10-29 Hand grenade thrown from balcony in Israel's Knesset (Parliament) injures Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, Foreign Minister Golda Meir, and several others
  • 1957-12-30 Israeli government of Ben-Gurion, resigns
  • 1959-07-05 Ben-Gurion's Israeli government resigns
  • 1959-11-03 David Ben-Gurion's Mapai party wins Israeli parliamentary election
  • 1961-01-31 David Ben-Gurion resigns as Prime Minister of Israel
  • 1963-06-15 Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion resigns
  • 1963-06-16 Levi Eshkol replaces David Ben-Gurion as Israeli Prime Minister
  • 1965-07-11 Israeli Mapai-party nominates David Ben-Gurion

Biographies and Sources


Famous Israeli Prime Ministers