New Delhi, March 17: “You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist”—a famous saying by Golda Meir, Israel’s first female Prime Minister and the world’s third. She made history by taking charge of the nation at the age of 70 on March 17, 1969.
Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, Golda Meir was affectionately referred to as ‘Grandmother’ in Israel. She was not just seen as a tough leader but also as a candid, straightforward, and decisive figure. David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first Prime Minister, once remarked that she was “the only man in my cabinet.”
Even in her 70s, she worked with the energy of a 20-year-old, often ending her day at 4 AM. Her autobiography, “My Life,” reveals that sometimes her guards would notice the kitchen light on at that early hour. One would check in to see if she was well. They would share tea and discuss various topics until she felt it was time to sleep.
Golda Meir’s views were always clear and firm. She once stated, “If peace comes, we can forgive the Arabs for killing our sons, but we can never forgive them for forcing us to kill their sons.” This statement reflects her resolute mindset and tough political stance during the Middle East conflict.
Her relationship with India was both historic and intriguing. During the 1971 India-Pakistan war, Golda Meir secretly provided military assistance to India. At that time, Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India. Their relationship was marked by mutual respect and communication, even as India officially maintained distance from Israel. Nevertheless, Golda stepped up to provide crucial support when needed.
American journalist Gary J. Bass noted in his book “The Blood Telegram: Nixon, Kissinger, and a Forgotten Genocide” that Golda Meir sent weapons and mortars to India through Israeli arms dealer Shlomo Jablodovitz. Israeli trainers also came to India during this period. This move was strategically significant for India and was kept entirely confidential.
Her tenure as Prime Minister was fraught with challenges. The Yom Kippur War in 1973 became the ultimate test of her leadership. In the early days of the war, Israel faced heavy losses and challenges, but Golda managed to stabilize the situation and exemplified strong leadership. She famously said, “Peace will come when the Arabs love their children more than they hate us,” showcasing her clear and iron-willed personality.
Golda Meir resigned from the Prime Minister’s office in 1974, but she remains one of Israel’s most influential leaders. Her personality, courage, candor, and secret collaboration with India have earned her a unique place in global politics. Her life reflects a remarkable blend of toughness, humanity, and decisive power, making her a memorable figure known as ‘Grandmother’ and the ‘Iron Lady of Israel.’
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