A lunar message sent from Jerusalem in 1969 to the Apollo 11 crew remains on the surface of the moon, carrying the presidential signature of Zalman Shazar. This contribution marked a unique intersection of statecraft and historical symbolism for the Israeli politician, who served two terms as his nation's head of state between 1963 and 1973.
Political Foundations and Early Career
Born Shneur Zalman Rubashov in 1889 in Mir, Shazar pursued education at the University of Strasbourg. Before his ascent to the presidency, he was deeply involved in the Poale Zion Movement and participated in organizing Jewish self-defense during the 1905 Revolution. After immigrating to the British Mandate of Palestine in 1924, he joined the secretariat of the Histadrut. His career in media included serving as editor-in-chief of the newspaper Davar from 1944 to 1949.
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Shazar secured a seat in the first Knesset in 1949, representing the Mapai party. He was appointed Minister of Education in the inaugural government under David Ben-Gurion. He retained parliamentary seats through the 1951 and 1955 elections while also serving on the Jewish Agency Executive. By 1956, he shifted his focus to the Jewish Agency's Jerusalem Executive, where he served as acting chairman until 1960.
Presidency and Global Diplomacy
Elected as the third President of Israel in 1963, Shazar represented the state at numerous international ceremonies, including the funerals of John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, and Dwight Eisenhower. His tenure included a notable 1964 encounter with Pope Paul VI, where he invoked the Book of Micah. Beyond these duties, he maintained academic and literary interests, earning the Bialik Prize in 1966 for his writing.
Fast facts
- Born: 1889, Mir
- Died: 1974, Jerusalem
- President of Israel: 1963-1973
- Education: University of Strasbourg
- Known Languages: German, English, Russian, Yiddish, Hebrew
- Key Publication: Morning Stars (1967)
- Bialik Prize Recipient: 1966
- Burial Site: Mount Herzl
Questions readers ask
What specific political roles did Shazar hold before becoming President?
He served as a member of the Knesset between 1949 and 1956 and held the position of Minister of Education.
Where is Zalman Shazar buried?
He was buried on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem following his death in 1974.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Strasbourg
- Worked as politician, journalist and writer
