(1899-1973)
Born in Odessa, Russia, he was brought to Palestine as a child and joined the Jewish Legion. He later studied engineering in Belgium. After returning to Palestine, he joined the technical department of the Zionist executive and became active in the Hagana. He became chief of staff of the Hagana in 1938, and in 1948—19, he was chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces. In this capacity, he commanded the Israeli army in the War of Independence (1948—49). From 1951 to 1965, he served as president of the Technion—Israel Institute of Technology.
Historical Dictionary of Israel. Bernard Reich David H. Goldberg. Edited by Jon Woronoff..