Living History: A Memoir

Chaim Herzog, former UN ambassador for Israel and President of the Jewish state from 1983 to 1993, who was born and raised in Ireland, where his father was Chief Rabbi, was present at the birth of the state of Israel. He served in the British Army during the Second World War, and helped liberate the Nazi concentration camps, a profoundly moving experience for a Jewish officer. Afterwards he fought in Israel's war of independence. In the UN Herzog made eloquent speeches in defense of Israel at a time when his country was increasingly isolated. His presidency saw the beginning of the Intifada, the missions to rescue Ethiopia's Falasha Jews, and the opening up of the Soviet Union. In this extensive memoir Herzog offers his memories and reflections, including comments on the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin.