Chaim Weizmann

Zionist leader and first president of Israel (1874-1952)

Chaim Weizmann was a Russian-born biochemist, Zionist leader, and the first president of Israel. He played a key role in obtaining the Balfour Declaration and establishing the State of Israel. As a scientist, he is known as the ‘father of industrial fermentation’ for his groundbreaking work in producing acetone, butanol, and ethanol through bacterial fermentation.

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About the Chaim Weizmann

Chaim Azriel Weizmannwas a Russian-born biochemist, Zionist leader and Israeli statesman who served as president of the Zionist Organization and later as the first president of Israel. He was elected on 16 February 1949, and served until his death in 1952. Weizmann was instrumental in obtaining the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and convincing the United States government to recognize the newly formed State of Israel in 1948.

As a biochemist, Weizmann is considered to be the ‘father’ of industrial fermentation. He developed the acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation process, which produces acetone, n-butanol and ethanol through bacterial fermentation. His acetone production method was of great importance in the manufacture of cordite explosive propellants for the British war industry during World War I. He founded the Sieff Research Institute in Rehovot (later renamed the Weizmann Institute of Science in his honor), and was instrumental in the establishment of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chaim Weizmann was a Russian-born biochemist, Zionist leader, and the first president of Israel. He served as president of the Zionist Organization and later as the first president of Israel from 1949 until his death in 1952.

Chaim Weizmann was instrumental in obtaining the Balfour Declaration of 1917, which helped pave the way for the creation of the State of Israel. He also convinced the United States government to recognize the newly formed State of Israel in 1948.

As a biochemist, Chaim Weizmann is considered the ‘father of industrial fermentation’. He developed the acetone–butanol–ethanol fermentation process, which was crucial for the production of cordite explosive propellants during World War I.

Chaim Weizmann founded the Sieff Research Institute in Rehovot (later renamed the Weizmann Institute of Science in his honor) and was instrumental in the establishment of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Chaim Weizmann was born on November 27, 1874, and died on November 9, 1952.