Jewish Literary Foundation: Jehuda Reinharz and Trudy Gold

Historian Jehuda Reinharz, co-author of a magisterial new biography of Israel’s first president, Chaim Weizmann, joins us to discuss how a Russian Jew who immigrated to the UK in the early 20th century advanced Theodor Herzl’s vision for a Jewish state. Written with fellow historian Motti Golani, this biography presents Weizmann as a complex figure, celebrated for his intelligence, wit, charisma, and dedication, yet also marked by human flaws—including his infatuations, political manoeuvring and elitism. From Weizmann’s childhood in Belarus to his influential relationships with British prime ministers and U.S. presidents, this is the definitive account of a pivotal leader. In conversation with historian and educator Trudy Gold.

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About Chaim Weizmann: A Biography

In Chaim Weizmann: A Biography, Jehuda Reinharz and Motti Golani show how Weizmann, a leader of the World Zionist Organization who became the first president of Israel, advocated for a Jewish state by gaining the support of influential politicians and statesmen as well as Jews around the world. Beginning with his childhood in Belorussia and concluding with his tenure as president, Reinharz and Golani describe how a Russian Jew, who immigrated to the United Kingdom in the early twentieth century, was able to advance the goals of Theodor Herzl, the founder of the Zionist Organization. Weizmann is also shown as a man of human foibles – his infatuations, political machinations and elitism – as well as a man of admirable qualities – intelligence, wit, charisma, and dedication.

Weizmann, who came to the UK to work as a biochemist, was in regular communication with British political figures, including prime ministers Arthur James Balfour, David Lloyd George, Winston Churchill, and Ramsay MacDonald. He also met presidents of the United States from Woodrow Wilson to Harry Truman. His success in earning the support of British political figures helped lead to the Balfour Declaration, which advocated for a “national home” for the Jewish people in Palestine.