Statement on the Death of Golda Meir
(December 8, 1978)
The American people and I join the people of Israel
in mourning the loss of former Prime Minister Golda Meir. Throughout
one of the most remarkable careers of public leadership in this century,
Golda Meir embodied the best in the Israeli spirit—courage and
idealism; honest outspokenness and buoyant good humor; strength and
compassion and a deep love of her land; proud determination and boundless
energy and hard work; and a deep, abiding commitment to peace.
As a young woman, she lived in the city of Milwaukee,
and the American people have always felt a special love and affection
for Golda Meir. I will always remember her warmth and graciousness when
we met in Israel when she was Prime Minister in 1973.
Though she counted Presidents and world leaders among
her friends, Golda Meir always understood that great global issues involve
the hopes and fears of ordinary men and women, and people all over the
world responded to her humanity.
Golda Meir is among that heroic group of men and women,
Israel's pioneers, who dreamed of establishing a free and independent
Jewish state—and who made that dream come true for millions of
people in one of the great stories of human struggle and fulfillment
of all time.
On the occasion of her death, it is fitting to note
that the nation of Israel, to which she dedicated her life, is strong
and free today. We pray that the second great dream of Golda Meir's
life, for which she worked and hoped and prayed all her life, will soon
be realized: a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |