Chaim Weizmann Chemical scientist, politician, first president of Israel (1948-1952). Date of Birth: 27.11.1874 Country: Israel

1. Biography of Chaim Weizmann
2. Early Life and Education
3. Leadership in the Zionist Organization
4. First President of Israel
5. Legacy

Biography of Chaim Weizmann

Chaim Weizmann (1874-1952) was a renowned scientist, chemist, and politician, who became the first President of Israel from 1948 to 1952. Born in the town of Motol in the Kobrin district of the Grodno Governorate, now in the Ivanovo district of the Brest region, Weizmann was one of the leaders of the global Zionist movement.

Early Life and Education

Weizmann was the third child in a family of 15, led by his father Ozer, who worked as a lumberjack. After receiving a traditional Jewish education and completing his studies at the Pinsk Real School, he pursued chemistry in Germany and Switzerland. At the young age of 23, in 1897, Weizmann obtained his doctoral degree. A year prior, he had joined the Zionist movement, and in 1897, he actively participated in the World Zionist Congress.

Leadership in the Zionist Organization

Weizmann served as the President of the World Zionist Organization from 1920 to 1931 and again from 1935 to 1946. His efforts played a vital role in the formation of the Jewish Brigade within the British Army toward the end of World War II. In 1947, Weizmann played an active role as part of the Jewish delegation in the United Nations General Assembly, discussing the partition of Palestine into two independent states: a Jewish state and an Arab state.

First President of Israel

Thanks to Weizmann's efforts, the Negev region was included in the territory of the proposed Jewish state by the UN, and the United States recognized the newly proclaimed State of Israel. Weizmann secured a promise from the U.S. President to finance the early economic development of the new state through a loan of $100 million on favorable terms, as well as the establishment of immediate diplomatic relations with Israel following the formation of its first democratic government.

In 1948, Chaim Weizmann was elected as the President of the Provisional State Council of Israel, and in February 1949, he became the first President of the State of Israel. The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, named in his honor, is one of the country's leading scientific research centers. Weizmann was buried in the garden of his home in Rehovot upon his death on November 9, 1952.

Legacy

Chaim Weizmann always believed that despite the hostile Arab environment, Israel would become a prosperous nation. His vision and dedication to the Zionist cause greatly contributed to the establishment and success of the State of Israel. His tomb remains in Rehovot, where the Weizmann Institute of Science stands as a testament to his enduring legacy.