Presidents

Chaim Weizmann

(1949-1952) first president, studied chemistry, championed synthetic Zionism, during world war 1 assisted British military industry, achievement of Balfour declaration, headed Zionist organization for 10 years, director of science research institute named after him (where he is buried), central figure in diplomatic struggle to establish the state

Yitzhak ben zvi

(1952-1963) second president, studied in traditional Jewish elementary school and at university, active in organizations with security oriented character and Zionist activities, one of founders of “bar giora” (self defense organization), studied law in Istanbul with Ben gurion, initiated establishment of “Hebrew battalion” which operated with the British army, founded an institute for the study of Jewish communities (had yitzhak ben zvi), served as member of Knesset on behalf of mapai, lived in modest hut in Jerusalem and turned his home into an open house for all citizens, buried on mount of rest in Jerusalem

Zalman shazar

(1963-1973) third president, born into a Hasidic family, studied history, one of the leaders of poalei Zion (workers of Zion) party, editor of the newspaper “davar” and publishing house “am oved”, member of Knesset in mapai, served as minister of education, initiated compulsory education law, inaugurated official presidential residence, buried on mount herzl

Efraim katzir

(1973-1978) fourth president, joined haganah at 16, studied at Hebrew university and became one of leading scientists, established science corps which concentrated knowledge for development of weapons, served during Yom Kippur war, founded presidents award for volunteerism, received Egyptian president anwar sadat for a visit, buried in rehovot

Yitzhak navon

(1978-1983) fifth president, studied oriental studies and education at Hebrew university, joined haganah and headed Arab department in Jerusalem, appointed head of culture division in ministry of education, initiated operation to eradicate illiteracy aimed at adult populations from disadvantaged background, engaged in writing and his well known creation is Spanish garden, served during peace for Galilee war, buried on mount Herzl

Chaim Herzog

(1983-1993) sixth president, born in Ireland to rabbi Yitzhak herzog (chief rabbi of Ireland who became chief rabbi of Israel), joined haganah, studied law in Britain, stationed as intelligence officer on German front, established intelligence department of IDF, discharged from IDF with rank of Aluf, elected to Knesset in behalf of labor party, worked to strengthen connection between Israel and diaspora and Jewish education, buried in mount herzl

Ezer weizman

(1993-2000) seventh president, born in Tel Aviv and grew up in Haifa, fighter pilot for British in world war 2, one of founders of Air service for haganah, appointed its commander, served as minister of transportation and minister of defense, played a key role in achieving peace agreement with Egypt, known for his loyalty to his direct and candid style, worked to promote immigration from commonwealth and Ethiopia, buried in or akiva

Moshe katsav

(2000-2007) eight president, born in Iran and immigrated at age 5, joined the communication corps, studied history and economics at Hebrew university and worked in teaching and journalism, elected head of local council of kiryat Malachi and became youngest mayor in history of Israel, elected to Knesset for likud, served as minister of labor and welfare and was youngest minister in the state, also appointed deputy prime minister, convicted in 2011 of commuting rape indecent acts by force and sexual harassment

Shimon Peres

(2007-2014) ninth president, served in ministry of defense and was appointed director general of ministry of defense, dealt with equipping IDF with weapons and developing defense industries, elected to Knesset on behalf of mapai, served as deputy minister of defense and other positions, became prime minister as part of rotation agreement with Yitzhak Shamir, as foreign minister brought about signing Oslo agreement, worked to strengthen Israel’s international standing and encourage technological initiatives, buried on mount herzl

Rueven rivlin

(2014-2021) tenth president, born in Jerusalem to prominent family that arrived with the immigration of disciples of the Vilna gaon, served as combat intelligence officer, studied law at Hebrew university, was deputy major, elected to Knesset on behalf of Likud and served as chairman of committee for fight against drugs and alcohol, appointed minister of communications, appointed speaker of Knesset, served during disengagement plan even though he opposed it