Abba Eban
Abba Eban: A Life of Diplomacy and Statesmanship
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Abba Solomon Eban was born on February 2, 1915, in Cape Town, South Africa. He is commonly known as 'Abe' to his friends and family.
#### Birth and Death Dates
February 2, 1915 - November 17, 2002
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Eban was a British-born Israeli statesman, diplomat, and scholar of international law. Throughout his career, he served in various roles including Ambassador, Foreign Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister.
#### Early Life and Background
Abba Eban's family moved to England when he was two years old due to his father's health issues. He attended Cambridge University where he studied philosophy, economics, and history. After completing his studies, Eban worked as a lecturer in philosophy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem before joining the British Colonial Service.
#### Major Accomplishments
Eban's diplomatic career spanned over four decades. He played a key role in the establishment of Israel in 1948 and served as the country's first Ambassador to the United States, where he negotiated a significant loan from the US government. Eban also held various ministerial positions including Foreign Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Education Minister.
#### Notable Works or Actions
As Foreign Minister, Eban was instrumental in negotiating several key agreements including the Israeli-Egyptian Treaty of Peace (1979) and the Camp David Accords (1978). He was a skilled orator and writer who published numerous books on international relations, politics, and history. Some of his notable works include 'The New Diplomacy' and 'Abba Eban: An Autobiography'.
#### Impact and Legacy
Eban's impact on Israeli politics and diplomacy is undeniable. His ability to articulate Israel's position effectively earned him respect from world leaders. He was a strong advocate for peace and coexistence, often speaking out against extremist ideologies. Eban's commitment to education led to significant reforms in Israel's school system.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Abba Eban is widely quoted due to his exceptional eloquence, wit, and insight into international relations. His famous phrase "We will not let them [the Arabs] take a single inch of land" became synonymous with Israeli determination during the 1967 war. Eban's quotes continue to inspire and educate people around the world about the complexities of politics, diplomacy, and peace.
Eban's legacy extends beyond his diplomatic career. He was an advocate for human rights, social justice, and education. His commitment to promoting understanding between nations has left a lasting impact on global politics. As a statesman, diplomat, and scholar, Abba Eban remains an important figure in international relations, remembered for his unwavering dedication to peace and his exceptional ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and conviction.
Quotes by Abba Eban
Zionism is nothing more, but also nothing less, than the Jewish People’s sense of origin and destination in the Land linked eternally with its name. It is also the instrument whereby the Jewish Nation seeks an authentic fulfillment of itself.
Salvation, the prophets tell us, is preconditioned by repentance. The redeeming act of God waits upon man’s initiative.
You can’t achieve anything without getting in someone’s way. You can’t be detached and effective.
When I was first here, we had the advantages of the underdog. Now we have the disadvantages of the overdog.
Time and again these governments have rejected proposals today, and longed for them tomorrow
Nobody does Israel any service by proclaiming its 'right to exist.' Israel's right to exist, like that of the United States, Saudi Arabia and 152 other states, is axiomatic and unreserved. Israel's legitimacy is not suspended in midair awaiting acknowledgement.... There is certainly no other state, big or small, young or old, that would consider mere recognition of its 'right to exist' a favor, or a negotiable concession.
