David Ben-Gurion

16 October 1886 – 1 December 1973

David Ben-Gurion was a Zionist leader and the primary founder and first prime minister of the State of Israel. He led the country through its establishment in 1948 and its early years, shaping its institutions, military, and foreign policy.

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Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with David Ben-Gurion.

Life events

Born in Płońsk
16 October 1886

Born David Grün in Płońsk, then part of Russian-ruled Poland.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Emigrated to Ottoman Palestine
1906

Moved to Ottoman-ruled Palestine as a young Zionist pioneer and agricultural laborer.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Became leader of the Jewish Agency
1935

Elected chairman of the Jewish Agency Executive, becoming the principal leader of the Yishuv.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Declared the establishment of the State of Israel
14 May 1948

Proclaimed Israel's independence in Tel Aviv and became the country's first prime minister.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Led Israel through the 1948 war
15 May 1948 – 1949

Directed the new state's defense during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Retired to Sde Boker
1953

Temporarily left office and moved to Kibbutz Sde Boker in the Negev desert.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Returned as prime minister
1955 – 1963

Resumed the premiership and led Israel during the 1956 Suez Crisis.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Death at Sheba Medical Center
1 December 1973

Died in Ramat Gan, Israel, and was buried at Sde Boker.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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