Golda Meir: Israel's Matriarch

A Woman Forged in the Fires of Pogroms and the Holocaust

Deborah E. Lipstadt's compelling biography delves into the remarkable life of Golda Meir, Israel's first and only female prime minister. Driven by a childhood marked by pogroms and the horrors of the Holocaust, Meir's unwavering belief in Jewish self-reliance shaped her political career and Israel's national identity. From her humble beginnings in Kyiv to her rise as a powerful political figure, Meir's story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to her people.

Golda Meir and US President Richard Nixon hold a private meeting at the White House on September 25, 1969. (photo by Moshe Milner.)

Lipstadt masterfully explores Meir's complex personality, highlighting her bluntness, quick wit, and deep-seated guilt over the Holocaust. The book also examines the triumphs and failures of Meir's political career, including her significant achievements as labor minister and foreign minister, as well as the devastating Yom Kippur War that ultimately led to her resignation. Lipstadt's insightful analysis offers a fresh perspective on this iconic figure, revealing the woman behind the myth and her lasting impact on Israel and the Jewish people.

Intrigued? Read the full review in The Jewish Review of Books.