Miriam Eshkol

Miriam Eshkol (Hebrew: מרים אשכול; c. 1929 – November 26, 2016) was the widow of Israeli Prime Minister Levi Eshkol. In her years as the Prime Minister's wife (1964–1969) she was closely followed by the public and press, leading numerous public organization in promotion of public causes. Following Levi Eshkol's passing she founded and chaired Yad Levi Eshkol and served as its chairwoman from 1970 to 2008.

Early life and career

Miriam Eshkol (née Zelikowitz) was born in Bacău, Romania and emigrated with her parents to the British mandate of Palestine in 1930. She was raised in Ramat Gan and later in Tel Aviv. In 1947 she joined the Palmach and accompanied brigades en route to besieged Jerusalem. She continued her service in the Israel Defense Forces and was discharged at the rank of Sergeant.

She began studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, completing her BA in English literature and general history and MA in history, researching Medieval history and the crusades. During these years she was a research assistant and in 1956 began working at the Knesset library. Her studies were completed in 1962. The following year she considered further studies as a doctoral candidate in history of the arts, giving up her plan due to her change of status as a Prime Minister's wife.

During her first years studying in Jerusalem, she rented a room situated at the yard of governmental residence housed by Israeli Finance Minister Levi Eshkol and his wife Elisheva. The family formed close relations with her and she assisted Elisheva Eshkol during her years of ill health.

Marriage and public role

In March 1964, Prime Minister Levi Eshkol asked Miriam to arrive at the Prime Minister's residence. They were married in a ceremony conducted by the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem and returned to their daily work. The news of their marriage was publicly disclosed in the following days.

Miriam Eshkol gained immediate public interest. While maintaining her daily work as the Knesset librarian, she took an active role in assisting the Prime Minister and accompanying him to international travels. During these years she led the public committee for the establishment of Beit HaLohem center for disabled military veterans and was the founding president of the Jewish-Arab Friendship League.

After Levi Eshkol's passing in February 1969, she headed the initial efforts of creating an archive and collecting his personal papers. In 1970 she oversaw the formation of Yad Levi Eshkol, serving as its chairwoman until 2008 and since then as its Honorary President.

Miriam Eshkol continued to take part in public life, was elected as president of the Israeli Union of Women Academicians and president of the Association for Scientific Development and Promotion of Medical Research. Among her many roles she was a member of the board of directors of the Israel Museum. She died on November 26, 2016 in Jerusalem at the age of 87.