Galili, Israel

(formerly Berczenko)

(1910-86)

   Born in Brailov, Ukraine, Russia, Galili was taken to Palestine at the age of four. There he became active in various Zionist and labor activities at a young age and remained active throughout his life. He helped found Kibbutz Naan, where he remained a member. He joined the Hagana and rose through the ranks to become deputy commander in chief. In the provisional government of Israel established in 1948, he served as deputy minister of defense. He was a member of Ahdut Haavoda and served in the Knesset from its inception. In 1966, he became a member of the cabinet without portfolio. He played an especially important role in foreign policy and security decisions when Golda Meir was prime minister and was a significant member of her "kitchen cabinet."