Yaakov Herzog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yaakov Herzog
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| Born | 11 December 1921 |
| Died | 9 March 1972 (aged 50) |
| Resting place | Sanhedria Cemetery, Jerusalem, Israel |
| Education | Doctorate in International Law from McGill University |
| Spouse(s) | Pnina Shachor |
| Children | 3, Eliezra-Elinora Herzog, Yitzchak-Isaac Shai Herzog, Shira Herzog |
Yaakov Herzog (Hebrew: יעקב דוד הרצוג, 11 December 1921 – 9 March 1972) was an important Israeli diplomat born in Ireland. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. They work to build good relationships between countries. Herzog was known for his smart mind and his ability to connect with many world leaders.
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Who Was Yaakov Herzog?
Yaakov Herzog was born in Dublin, Ireland. His father, Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog, was a very important religious leader. He was the second Chief Rabbi of Israel. Yaakov's mother was Sarah Herzog. His older brother, Chaim Herzog, later became the sixth President of Israel.
In 1937, when Yaakov was 15, his family moved to Mandatory Palestine. This area later became the country of Israel. Yaakov became a rabbi in Jerusalem. He also studied law at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and in London. He earned a special degree called a doctorate in international law from McGill University in Canada. Before Israel became a country, Herzog also served in the Haganah. This was a Jewish defense group in Palestine.
Herzog's Diplomatic Career
After Israel became a country, Yaakov Herzog started working for the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is the part of the government that handles relationships with other countries.
Early Roles in Government
From 1948 to 1954, he gave advice on issues about Jerusalem. From 1954 to 1957, he was in charge of the United States division. He also advised Prime Minister of Israel David Ben-Gurion on important decisions.
Working Around the World
From 1957 to 1960, Herzog worked at the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C., USA. An embassy is like a country's office in another nation. From 1960 to 1963, he was the Israeli ambassador to Canada. An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat.
Herzog played a key role in improving relations with the Vatican. This happened after the Six-Day War. He also had secret talks with King Hussein of Jordan. These talks helped lead to peace between Jordan and Israel. He also made friends with important leaders like President Kennedy.
Director-General of the Prime Minister's Office
From 1965 until his death in 1972, Herzog worked as the director-general of the Prime Minister of Israel's office. He served under Prime Ministers Levi Eshkol and Golda Meir. This was a very important job.
In 1961, while he was ambassador in Canada, he had a famous public debate. He debated with a British historian named Arnold J. Toynbee. Toynbee had made some unfair comments about the Jewish people and Israel. Herzog strongly defended his people and country.
Remembering Yaakov Herzog
Many people admired Yaakov Herzog. A famous thinker, Isaiah Berlin, called him "one of the best and wisest" people he knew. Another person, Yehuda Avner, said Herzog had a "subtle and powerful mind."
Yaakov Herzog passed away on March 9, 1972. He had suffered a fall at his home a few months earlier.
Places Named After Him
Many schools and colleges are named after Yaakov Herzog. These include:
- Kiryat Yaakov Herzog high school in Kfar Saba
- Yaakov Herzog Jewish Studies College in Ein Tzurim
- Herzog College for training teachers in Alon Shvut
- The Maalot Yaakov Yeshiva
- The law faculty at Bar-Ilan University
Published Works
Yaakov Herzog also wrote some books and translations:
- A translation of parts of the Talmud (a Jewish text) called Berakhot, Pe'ah and Demai. This was first printed in 1947.
- About Israel and its land: an argument with Professor Arnold Toynbee (1974-1975).
- A nation that lives alone (1975).
- The Anderson Mission
