David Ben-Gurion

David Ben-Gurion was Israel’s first prime minister and the leader who declared the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. He led the country during the War of Independence and helped build the foundations of the new state, including the army, government institutions, immigration system, and national identity. He strongly believed in Jewish sovereignty, Hebrew revival, and creating a modern Jewish state.

His leadership was also controversial at times, especially because of difficult decisions during the early state period, including conflicts between different Jewish militias and debates over religion, borders, and security. Still, from a Jewish timeline perspective, Ben-Gurion is one of the central figures of modern Jewish history because he turned Zionism into functioning statehood.