Golda Meir Qualities

“Don’t be so humble—you are not that great”: an iconic line from one of the pioneering women in 20th-century politics, Golda Meir. As one of Israel’s leading founders and its “Iron Lady”, Meir was an exceptional woman who, despite her faltering health, intently led her country through struggles and discord. Since adolescence, she had been involved in Zionist movement groups, and throughout her career, she played a major role in the creation of the country we now know as Israel. In 1969, after retreating into retirement twice, Meir took charge as Israel’s first female Prime Minister. Her leadership throughout her four-year term illustrated her dedication to her country and prowess in political and social activism. Golda Meir, who took it upon

herself to create and unite her country, embodied all the characteristics of a hero. She risked her life many times to bring success to Israel, leading the state through countless uncompromising political strains, and was dedicated to helping her people. The tireless attitude she bore aided her in the difficult journey, for no matter what others thought, Meir stood by her actions and waved away the scathing eyes of society to build her own story and legacy, one which lives on to this day. Golda Meir exemplified a true hero; she was strictly dedicated to her ambitions, tireless when it came to aiding others, and always obstinate in her choices.
Meir continuously utilized her drive and dedication to realize her dreams, but still faced
many social handicaps throughout her career. When she became more involved in her career, she felt guilty for not being the ideal wife and mother, often worrying that “she had not done enough for her children.” However, she noted that “there is a type of woman who cannot let her husband and children narrow her horizons” (Pogrebin) and realized she was one of those women. Accepting this, she quickly moved up the ranks and eventually became an executive member of the council. Though both her husband and society pushed for her to be the picture-perfect wife, Meir broke past the boundaries of the stereotype, refusing to let anyone “narrow her horizons”, and remained devoted to her career. She pursued her goals with the utmost diligence and eventually created a name for herself in the world of politics; defying imposed stereotypes to chase her dreams and focus on her own passions illustrated her firm dedication. Additionally, in her autobiography, Meir expressed her love for retirement, stating that “for the first time in years, [she] was free—to do [her] own shopping, to use public transportation… most of all, to call [her] time [her] own” (Meir, 350). She was content with her simple and quiet lifestyle after retirement, even commenting that she felt like “a prisoner released from jail” (Meir, 350). Regardless of her pleasure and satisfaction, Meir rose from her peaceful retirement to answer her country’s call for guidance, illustrating her resolve and passion for her people. Giving up her “newfound tranquility” (Meir, 350) for the sake of her country paints her in a heroic light, and her unwavering commitment stands tall as one of her many heroic qualities.
Meir was also an indefatigable character with a spirited persona; in fact, even in the face of old age, she continued to direct her country through struggles and conflicts.

In 1966, she relinquished her title as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as she was “tired and ill... However, soon after, she agreed to take over the leadership of Israel's Labor party [and] succeeded in the next two years” (Golda). She went into retirement for the second time in August 1968, but soon after, in March 1969, she assumed the post of Israel's Prime Minister. Meir stepped up from retirement to guide and unite her country, doing so through hard work and determination. Out of her love for the country, she led Israel through political strains and an unforgiving war, all as a 70-year-old woman in deteriorating health. This leadership demonstrated an indefatigable persona not often found in many people. Evidently, her persistence and actions embody the quality of a true hero: tireless determination. In addition, after “half a century of toil,” Meir also brought about “a glorious system of labor legislation in the spheres of social security, vocational training, protection of working women and children, days of rest, and other workers' benefits” (Medzini). Though watched by scornful eyes, Meir worked tirelessly throughout her entire career. She labored with the utmost determination, eventually bringing about a wave of changes to Israel. In her half a century of labor, Meir displayed a dynamic persona that helped develop and strengthen her country. She worked tenaciously to unite the labor forces of the country, her unshakable resilience exemplifying an admirable character—a true

hero.
With an adamant attitude and a strong mindset, Meir was also an obstinate woman who never let her dissenters drag her down; likewise, she refused to let her parents impede her path to her goals. Despite her father’s protests, Meir enrolled in high school, responsibly taking on jobs to pay her expenses. However, her father still disapproved, so she “ran away to live with her sister… where she attended school and spent her evenings listening to anarchists, Socialist Zionists, and Labor Zionists whose debates helped refine [her] political philosophy” (Pogrebin). In Meir’s time, marriage was often the priority for many families, but for her, this was not the case. Regardless of her father’s wish for her to marry, she was insistent on pursuing a higher education. She defied her father’s wishes and was stubborn in her ambitions, which ultimately led to her running away to pursue her goals. She yearned to be a teacher—intelligent, caring—and refused to let anyone sway her decision. Unyielding when it came to her dreams, Meir displayed a resolute attitude that paints her as an unwavering, headstrong figure, exemplifying the disposition of a hero. Furthermore, when the Jewish Agency leaders were interned, Meir was “appointed acting head of the Jewish Agency's political department [and] continued in this position until the proclamation of the independence of Israel on May 14, 1948, [when] she was among the signers of its declaration of independence” (Golda). Even without her seniors to guide her, Golda Meir remained committed to her mission and refused to let authorities stop her from completing her goals. She remained unyielding, stepping up to take on even more demanding roles to fulfill her duties, and maintained a stubborn fortitude that allowed her to push through the eyes of society.
Golda Meir exhibited the qualities of a hero, whether it be through her personal struggles, political choices, or her love for her nation. Like any hero is, she was dedicated, tireless, and obstinate in her choices. Her rigorous work ethic illustrated how passionate she was about her purpose, and her leadership exemplified her indefatigability, no matter what obstacles she faced. As a politician, she was hard headed and meticulous in her work, and as a person, she was caring and persistent. She harbored an intense love for her people and, through labor and tenacity, was able to realize her dreams. Her actions illustrate that in addition to being a hero, Golda Meir was an admirable and altruistic character as well.