Chaim Herzog
Chaim Herzog was an Irish-born Israeli politician, soldier, lawyer, and author known for his service in the Haganah and as Israel's president from 1983-1993.
Political Figure
April 9, 1918
Aries
April 17, 1997
79
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Chaim Herzog, born in Belfast, Ireland in 1918, was a multifaceted individual who excelled as an Israeli politician, soldier, lawyer, and author. He held the position of Israel’s sixth President from 1983 to 1993, during which he focused on strengthening ties with the diaspora and fostering peace and security within the nation. As a key figure in Israel’s establishment, Herzog served as a general in the Israel Defense Forces and later as the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, where he notably tore up a speech by Yasser Arafat.
In addition to his political and military accomplishments, Herzog was a recipient of the Israel Prize for Literature for his contributions to the study of Zionism and held the position of Chairman of the World Zionist Organization. He penned several books, including his memoirs, “The War of Atonement.” A sports enthusiast, Herzog particularly enjoyed horse riding, even winning a gold medal in a military competition in the United Kingdom. He was also a co-founder of the Israel Rugby Union and a supporter of the Irish Rugby Football Union. Chaim Herzog passed away on April 17, 1997, in Tel AvivâYafo, Israel.
Herzog’s unique background as an Irish-born Israeli began with his birth in Belfast, Ireland, and his subsequent immigration to Palestine in 1935. He served in the Haganah during the Arab revolt of 1936-38.
