With the defeat of the Nazis, David Ben-Gurion orchestrates a campaign of illegal immigration against the British, rousing world sympathy for the Zionists.
On the eve of Britain’s departure from Palestine, Ben-Gurion declares the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. He then leads Israel to victory in the War of Independence serving as both prime minister and defense minister. With Israel’s victory, Ben-Gurion turns his attention to the “ingathering of the exiles.”
Near the end of his career, Ben-Gurion splits with members of his own Mapai party over his efforts to promote younger politicians over more senior ones.
Ben-Gurion dies at Kibbutz Sdeh Boker on December 1, 1973.
Photo credit: Central Zionist Archives
