Levi Eshkol (Eshkol Levi)

(1895-1969)
Born in the Ukrainian village near Kiev Oratovo October 25, 1895. From a young age was interested in the ideas of Zionism, in 1914 he emigrated to Palestine, where he worked in the Jewish agricultural settlements. During the First World War, fought in the ranks of the Jewish Legion.
In 1920 and 1930 Eshkol was involved in the Zionist movement and the organization of the Histadrut, the General Confederation of Labor. I visited in Lithuania, Germany and other countries, raising funds for the purchase of agricultural and industrial equipment. After 1948 Israel was created, he worked in various ministries, in 1952 became Minister of Finance. The leader of Mapai, was replaced by Ben-Gurion as prime minister in 1963, was reelected in 1965. He tried to improve relations with Asian and African countries, maintained close ties with western countries. An important event during the period of his premiership was the Six Day War in June 1967 against Egypt, Jordan and Syria. Eshkol died in Jerusalem on Feb. 26, 1969.