In the immediate aftermath of World War II, there were several influential leaders and founders who brought the state of Israel to fruition in 1949. There was deep determination within members of the Jewish community to create a nation-state alongside neighboring countries with deep-held Muslim and Arab beliefs.
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Ariel Sharon is one of Israel’s founders. Up until his death in 2014, Sharon served the state in a number of high-ranking capacities.
At the height of what would become Israel’s war with four Arab nations — Egypt, Iraq, Transjordan, and Syria — Sharon served as commander of the Israeli Army when independence was first sought in 1948. For five years — 2001 to 2006 — Sharon also served as Israel’s prime minister during a time of renewed crisis for the nation.
Sharon’s leadership was not without controversy. It was, at times, likened to a philosophy of distrust of other nations and one of heavy reliance on military forces.
“Today, the Jews are in less danger because Israel is strong,” Sharon once said. “Would I rely on the world with respect to the Jews? No. I don’t rely on anyone in this matter.”
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Another notable Israeli figure is Golda Meir. She is one of 24 signatories on the 1948 document known as the Israeli Declaration of Independence. Of the 24, she was one of two women.
Meir, who lived in several U.S. cities, including Milwaukee, went on to serve on a number of prominent roles in her native land. She was the fourth prime minister of the nation, having done so from 1969 to 1974.
Throughout her years in prominence, Meir oftentimes was lauded for her trailblazing, signature style of leadership.
“If only political leaders would allow themselves to feel, as well as think, the world might be a happier place,”
Meir was once quoted as saying on her philosophy toward making important policy decisions.
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