Abba Eban

Abba Eban – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Abba Eban (1915–2002), the eloquent Israeli diplomat, statesman, and scholar, shaped Israel’s global voice during its early decades. Explore his life, diplomacy, convictions, and enduring legacy.

Introduction

Abba Solomon Meir Eban (born 2 February 1915 – died 17 November 2002) was one of Israel’s most prominent diplomats and statesmen, widely recognized for his eloquence, deep learning in Middle Eastern affairs, and his role in articulating Israel’s position on the world stage.

With a career that spanned ambassadorships, cabinet posts, and legislative service, Eban became a defining voice of the young Israeli state during its formative crises. His mastery of language, historical knowledge, and rhetorical skills made him a commanding presence in international diplomacy.

Early Life and Family

Eban was born as Aubrey Solomon Meir Eban on 2 February 1915 in Cape Town, South Africa, into a Jewish family of Lithuanian origin.

In Britain, Eban’s childhood was shaped by deep engagement with Jewish heritage and Zionist ideas. On weekends, he would visit his grandfather’s home to study Hebrew, Talmud, and biblical literature.

He attended St Olave’s Grammar School in London. Queens’ College, Cambridge, where he read Classics and Oriental languages (Hebrew, Arabic, Persian).

Between 1938 and 1939, he became a Fellow of Pembroke College, Cambridge, and lectured in Arabic.

His academic excellence also sharpened his linguistic facility: he became proficient in multiple languages, claimed at times to know up to ten.

Path into Diplomacy & Early Career

World War II and British Service

With the outbreak of World War II, Eban joined the British Army and was deployed in the Middle East. In Cairo, he worked as a translator and censor of Arabic and Hebrew texts, and later served in Palestine. Major.

He also served as instructor at the British Middle East Centre for Arab Studies (in Jerusalem), and as liaison officer between the Allies and the Jewish community (the Yishuv) in Palestine.

Entry into Zionist / Jewish Agency Work

After the war, Eban joined the Jewish Agency in London, working in its Political Information Department.

In 1947, he was appointed as a liaison officer to the UN Special Committee on Palestine (UNSCOP), and was part of the Jewish Agency delegation to the UN General Assembly during debates over the future of Palestine. He used his command of language and diplomacy to argue for the partition plan (UN Resolution 181).

Diplomatic Service & Cabinet Roles

At the United Nations & in Washington

Once the State of Israel was established, Eban was appointed Israel’s first Permanent Representative to the United Nations (from 1949 to 1959). Israeli Ambassador to the United States.

In 1952, he was elected Vice President of the UN General Assembly.

During these years, Eban became one of Israel’s most visible global voices, articulating Israel’s positions, arguing in the UN, and building relationships—especially in Washington.

Return to Israel: Political & Government Roles

In 1959, Eban left his diplomatic posts abroad and entered Israeli politics. He was elected to the Knesset (Israeli parliament), representing Mapai (later Labor/Alignment).

He was appointed Minister without Portfolio in 1959–1960. Minister of Education and Culture under David Ben-Gurion (1960–1963).

From 1963 to 1966, he served as Deputy Prime Minister under Levi Eshkol.

In 1966, Eban became Minister of Foreign Affairs, a position he held until 1974. Six-Day War (1967) and its aftermath—requiring deft diplomacy.

He played a key role in shaping UN Security Council Resolution 242 (post-1967) and Resolution 338 (post-1973) as frameworks for territorial adjustments and peace efforts.

During and after the Six-Day War, Eban was Israel’s principal defender in the international arena, delivering major speeches to explain and justify Israel’s actions.

Though Eban sometimes faced criticism at home for being cautious in internal debates, he was generally considered on the more moderate or “dovish” side of Israeli foreign policy, advocating negotiation and territorial compromise when feasible.

From 1984 to 1988, he chaired the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

In 1988, he lost his seat in the Knesset amid internal Labor/Alignment party splits and retired from active politics.

Later Life, Writing & Public Engagement

After leaving politics, Eban devoted himself to writing, teaching, and public scholarship.

He also narrated and participated in documentary series, including Heritage: Civilization and the Jews (PBS, 1984), Israel, A Nation Is Born (1992), and On the Brink of Peace (1997).

Eban wrote many books and essays on Israel, Judaism, diplomacy, and civilization: among them Voice of Israel, My People: The Story of the Jews, The New Diplomacy, Heritage: Civilization and the Jews, and Diplomacy for the Next Century.

In 2001, he was awarded the Israel Prize (for lifetime achievement and contribution to Israeli society).

Abba Eban passed away on 17 November 2002 in Tel Aviv, Israel, at the age of 87. He is buried in Kfar Shmaryahu, north of Tel Aviv.

Personality, Strengths & Critiques

Eban was known for exceptional oratorical skill, historical erudition, intellectual elegance, and multilingual fluency—attributes that gave him authority on the global stage.

He was deeply informed by history, Biblical scholarship, and classical literature, enabling him to present Israel’s case in broad moral, cultural, and diplomatic perspectives.

At times, critics argued that he was too cautious or diplomatic, preferring rhetorical conciliation over bold domestic advocacy. Some contended that he avoided grounding his positions in strong domestic political stances, relying more on his diplomatic voice than internal influence. Nonetheless, his supporters see that as part of his strategic restraint in a fraught environment.

Eban’s style was a blend of statesmanship and scholar — he preferred persuasion over aggression, dialogue over confrontation.

Famous Quotes of Abba Eban

Eban left behind several memorable aphorisms and public declarations. Here are a few well-known ones:

• “The Arabs never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.”
  This pithy remark, made after failed peace talks, is often cited as succinctly capturing Eban’s frustration with repeated negotiation breakdowns.

• “History is the ultimate teacher, but one must know how to read it.”
  (Paraphrased; reflects his conviction that a deep historical grasp is essential in diplomacy.)

• “A language is the reflection of the character of its people.”
  (Again a paraphrase of his many statements on language, culture, and identity.)

• “Diplomacy is the art of saying ‘Nice doggie’ until you can find a bigger stick.”
  (A version of a more general maxim, attributed to diplomatic wits, that resonates with his pragmatic approach.)

• “Words — that most powerful of weapons — immeasurably influence all peace efforts.”
  (Reflecting his belief in the primacy of discourse in international affairs.)

Eban’s formal speeches also contain many eloquent passages, weaving in historical allusion, moral weight, and advocacy.

Lessons from Abba Eban’s Life

1. Eloquence as influence: Eban’s success shows how mastery of argument, rhetoric, and narrative can shape international opinion more powerfully than brute force.

2. Deep knowledge matters: His grounding in history, languages, and culture equipped him to frame Israel’s case in broad civilizational terms, not merely political ones.

3. Diplomacy and principle can coexist: He tried to balance Israel’s security imperatives with openness to negotiation and compromise in diplomacy.

4. Resilience under adversity: Eban operated during wars, international hostility, and internal pressures—and remained consistent in defending Israel’s place in the world.

5. Legacy through writing and teaching: Even after his public office ended, Eban carried forward influence through books, lectures, and public scholarship, extending his reach beyond politics.

Conclusion

Abba Eban’s life is a remarkable story of intellect, rhetoric, and statesmanship. He gave voice to a young nation during its most tumultuous decades, building bridges, advocating peace, and defending sovereignty. His example invites us to see diplomacy not merely as negotiation of power, but as a kind of moral and intellectual stewardship.