Chaim Weizmann

CHAIM WEIZMANN
STATE MEDAL, 1997/5757
First Medal in the "Presidents of Israel" Series, issued in honor of Israel's 50th Anniversary Year

Chaim Weizmann, first President of Israel, born in 1874 in the village of Motol in Russia, grew up in an atmosphere steeped in Jewish tradition and longing to "Return to Zion". He studied Bible, Hebrew and biochemistry in Berlin, where he was exposed to Theodor Herzl's charisma for Zionism. He soon became one of the outstanding leaders of the Zionist Movement. He affiliated himself with "Synthetic Zionism" which focused on political activity, settlement and development in the Land of Israel. He moved to England, where he continued with his scientific career and Zionist activities. During World War I, Weizmann helped the British war effort, developing a new method for manufacture of acetone, an important solvent in ammunitions. Thereby, he gained access to high officials in the British Government and these connections helped to lead to his attainment of the "Balfour Declaration", one of his greatest accomplishments. The "Balfour Declaration" turned the call for a Zionist State from a dream to a legitimate political agenda. In 1920, Weizmann was elected the President of the Zionist Organization. He was integral in the establishment of the Hebrew University and the "Weizmann Institute of Science". In 1949, Weizmann was chosen by the Knesset to be the first President of Israel.

Obverse: Image of Chaim Weizmann, Israel State Emblem to the right, inscription “CHAIM WEIZMANN” in Hebrew and English along the upper border and the words ‘ISRAEL’S FIRST PRESIDENT 1949-1952” in Hebrew and English along the lower border.

Reverse: Image of Chaim Weizmann, Israel State Emblem to the right, inscription “CHAIM WEIZMANN” in Hebrew and English along the upper border and the words ‘ISRAEL’S FIRST PRESIDENT 1949-1952” in Hebrew and English along the lower border.

Edge: Israel State Emblem with the words "STATE OF ISRAEL" inscribed in Hebrew and English, metal fineness and serial number.

Designer: Ruben Nutels.

Engraving: Tidhar Dagan.

Mint: The Government Mint, Israel.