When and where was Abba Eban born?
Aubrey Solomon Meir Eban entered the world on the 2nd of February 1915 in Cape Town, South Africa. His parents were Lithuanian Jewish immigrants seeking a better life for their family.
Questions about Abba Eban
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What languages did Abba Eban master during his lifetime?
He mastered ten languages throughout his lifetime including Hebrew, Arabic, and Persian which he studied simultaneously at Queens' College Cambridge. He also enjoyed translating newspaper articles into Ancient Greek as a personal pastime.
Why did Abba Eban change his name from Aubrey to Abba?
During this critical diplomatic phase he changed his name from Aubrey to Abba because the Hebrew word means Father and reflected his commitment to the emerging state. This occurred while he served as a liaison officer to the UN Special Committee on Palestine in 1947.
How long did Abba Eban serve as Israel's foreign minister?
From 1966 to 1974 Eban served as Israel's foreign minister under Prime Ministers Levi Eshkol and Golda Meir. During this period he defended the nation's reputation after the Six-Day War began on the 5th of June 1967.
When did Abba Eban die and where was he buried?
He died on the 17th of November 2002 at age eighty-seven. His burial took place in Kfar Shmaryahu located north of Tel Aviv.