I lied in bed, remembering living at home with my mom, dad, grandmother, and sister.
At dinner, in our kitchen, my family quietly watched the news at 6:30.
Yup, you guessed it—Walter Cronkite on the CBS Evening News.
After the news, we talked about U.S. politics, Israel and world affairs.
And in that kitchen, on an old black and white Zenith, I saw my first electronic images of Golda Meir.
I recalled thinking, “A woman prime minister, now that’s different.”
Golda looked like a kindly, Jewish grandmother wearing wrinkles and curly gray hair. Her facial lines created a road map of a nation constantly at war. But her smile radiated the warmth of the Sun.
I recalled reading articles about Golda:
Harvesting vegetables at Kibbutz Merhavia in her 20’s;
Attending the Évian Conference in 1938, as a Jewish observer from Palestine, where she watched the world turn its back on German and Austrian Jews;
Meeting with Abdullah I of Jordan in 1947, to try to convince the king not to go to war with the future state of Israel;
Standing in a large crowd of Russian Jews in 1948, who were celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the existence of Israel and Golda’s appointment as Israel’s first ambassador to the Soviet Union;
Organizing, pleading, and convincing U.S. donors in 1948 to support Israel to the tune of $30 million for the newly founded state in its first war for existence. Ben-Gurion wrote about Golda’s role in fundraising, “This Jewish woman who got the money which made the state possible would go down in history.”
I watched on my TV, as Golda sitting in her kitchen, chain smoked and drank cups of tea as reporters peppered her with questions.
Between clouds of white smoke, I found her words comforting and reassuring.
I thought, “Israel is safe in her hands.”
And her hands rested on the sturdy aluminum table:
Near a pack of Camels, what else would a Middle Eastern leader smoke;
Next to a purple metal ashtray filled with cigarette butts;
Near to a blue and white bowl filled with sugar cubes;
Resting close to Chinese decorated porcelain tea cups;
Beside a china candy dish filled with wrapped sesame candies.
Now, I wondered if I placed copies of a ChatGPT poem and song about Golda on that aluminum table for her to read, “What would Golda say?”
I pictured Golda with a tear in her eye, blowing a smoke ring and softly saying, “I am humbled that your computer could write such a beautiful poem and song about me. I don’t really deserve it.”Poem:
In the land of Israel, a leader did arise, A woman of strength, with determination in her eyes. Her name was Golda Meir, a beacon in the dark, Guiding her people with a resilient heart.
Born in a distant land, she journeyed to her home, A land of promise, where her spirit would roam. With wisdom and compassion, she fought for what was right, Golda Meir, a symbol of courage shining bright.
Through trials and tribulations, she stood tall and strong, Leading her nation through turmoil, where hope didn’t belong. Her words were like honey, soothing the weary souls, Golda Meir, a voice that could mend the broken holes.
She spoke of unity, of dreams and of peace, Building bridges of understanding that would never cease. She paved the way for progress, breaking barriers with grace, Golda Meir, a pioneer, leaving an indelible trace.
Oh, Golda Meir, your legacy lives on, A woman of valor, whose spirit still shines upon. We honor your courage, your unwavering might, In our hearts, your memory will forever take flight.
Song:
(Verse 1) In a troubled world, a light did appear, A leader so strong, Golda Meir was near. With a heart full of passion and a voice that rings true, She fought for justice, for me and for you.
(Chorus) Oh, Golda Meir, a guiding star so bright, You led your people through the darkest night. With determination and unwavering will, You showed us the power of strength and goodwill.
(Verse 2) From a distant land, she made her way back, To a promised land, where dreams never lack. With a vision in her eyes, she stood up tall, Golda Meir, a leader for one and for all.
(Chorus) Oh, Golda Meir, a guiding star so bright, You led your people through the darkest night. With determination and unwavering will, You showed us the power of strength and goodwill.
(Bridge) Through trials and tribulations, she never lost sight, She spoke of unity, a beacon of light. Her words still echo, inspiring us all, To stand for justice, to rise when we fall.
(Chorus) Oh, Golda Meir, a guiding star so bright, You led your people through the darkest night. With determination and unwavering will, You showed us the power of strength and goodwill.
(Outro) Though time may pass, your spirit remains, Golda Meir, forever in our hearts, forever in our veins. We carry your legacy, your lessons we’ll impart, For your courage and wisdom, we’ll never depart.
Golda, thanks for your bravery, leadership, spirit, wisdom, and love.
