Chaim Herzog
A Belfast-born soldier and statesman who became Israel's unifying president, bridging its military might with diplomatic grace.
1918–1997 (age 79)·President of Israel from 1983 to 1993·Birthday: September 17·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Chaim Herzog's life traced the arc of modern Jewish history. Born in Ireland to a prominent rabbinical family, he traded a life of scholarly comfort for the trenches of nation-building. After fighting with the British Army in World War II, he helped forge the Israel Defense Forces, serving as a military intelligence chief and a tough-talking national security voice. His sharp mind found a second act in law and diplomacy, including a stint as Israel's ambassador to the United Nations where he famously tore apart a 'Zionism is racism' resolution. Elected president in 1983, he transformed the largely ceremonial role, using his gravitas and wit to steady a fractious nation, visit world leaders, and embody a resilient, sophisticated Israel for a decade.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Chaim was born in 1918, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Chaim Was Born
The biggest hits of 1918
Chaim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1918Born
World War I ends; Spanish flu pandemic kills millions
President: Woodrow Wilson
1923Started school
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1931Became a teenager
The Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest
Gas: $0.17/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Minnie the Moocher" — Cab CallowayBest Picture: Cimarron
1934Could drive
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1936Could vote
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1939Turned 21
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1948Turned 30
Israel declares independence; Berlin Blockade begins
Gas: $0.26/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Twelfth Street Rag" — Pee Wee HuntBest Picture: Hamlet
1958Turned 40
NASA founded
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,050Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Volare" — Domenico ModugnoBest Picture: Gigi
1968Turned 50
Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy assassinated
Gas: $0.34/galHome: $14,950Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Hey Jude" — The BeatlesBest Picture: Oliver!
1978Turned 60
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1988Turned 70
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1997Died at 79
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
Key Achievements
- Served as the sixth President of Israel, holding the office for two terms from 1983 to 1993.
- Delivered a powerful 1975 UN speech defending Zionism, ripping up the contentious resolution document for dramatic effect.
- Authored several books on Israel's military history and legal battles, including 'The Arab-Israeli Wars'.
- Played a key role in establishing Israel's military intelligence apparatus after the state's founding.
Did You Know?
He was born in Belfast and spent his childhood in Dublin, where his father was the Chief Rabbi of Ireland.
He was a champion boxer during his time at school in Cambridge.
His son, Isaac Herzog, also entered high public office, becoming Israel's President in 2021.
“I have come here today not as a supplicant. Vote as your conscience dictates, but the vote will have no influence on our fate.”
