On March 17, 1969, 70-year-old Golda Meir made history when she was elected Israel’s first female prime minister. She was the country’s fourth prime minister and is still the only woman to have held this post.
Meir, who was born in Kiev, Ukraine and raised in Wisconsin, began her career as a Zionist trade union organizer, then held several positions in the Israeli government, including minister of labor and minister of Foreign Affairs. Upon the sudden death of Prime Minister Levi Eshkol in 1969, Meir was chosen as his successor.
During his tenure, Meir gained a reputation as a shrewd diplomat. She saw the country through the Yom Kippur War in October 1973, after Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel. Although Israel was victorious, more than 2,500 Israelis died and many criticized the government for its lack of preparation.
Partly because of her age and failing health, Meir resigned in October 1974. She was succeeded by Yitzhak Rabin.
Meir died in Jerusalem on December 8, 1978, at the age of 80.
READ MORE: 7 Women Leaders Who Were Elected To Top Office
