Chaim Weizmann

Weizmann, Chaim (1874–1952), Polish-born scientist and Zionist leader, first president of Israel (1948–52). He emigrated to England in 1904 and became an eminent biochemist and director of the British Admiralty laboratories in 1916. He helped secure the Balfour Declaration (1917), which promised a Jewish state in Palestine. He was head of the World Zionist Organization (1920–29) and of the Jewish Agency (1929–31, 1935–46). He also founded what is known today as the Weizmann Inst. of Science.

See also: Zionism.