On Israel's Independence Day, Israeli author and historian Tom Segev discussed his biography of David Ben-Gurion, and how Ben-Gurion's legacy continues to shape Israel's identity and policies even today. Segev's talk was followed by a conversation with Nazarian Center director, Prof. Dov Waxman, and audience Q&A. Originally recorded April 15, 2021.
The 2021 Harry C. Sigman Distinguished Lecture in Israel Studies, sponsored by the UCLA Y&S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies. Program co-sponsored by the UCLA Alan D. Leve Center for Jewish Studies, UCLA Department of History, and the Sady and Ludwig Kahn Chair in Jewish History at UCLA.
About the Speaker
Tom Segev is a leading historian and one of Israel’s most distinguished journalists. He was born in Jerusalem in 1945 to parents who fled Nazi Germany. Segev holds a BA in History and Political Science from the Hebrew University and a Ph.D. in History from Boston University. In 2000 and 2010, Segev’s books were included in The New York Times’ Best Books of the Year lists. In 2001, Segev’s One Palestine, Complete (2000) was the first title ever to win the National Jewish Book Award in two categories. Formerly a reporter and columnist for Haaretz, Segev has published nine works, which have appeared in 15 languages. Most recently published is A State At Any Cost: The Life of David Ben-Gurion (New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2019). In this definitive biography, Segev uses large amounts of previously unreleased archival material to give an original, nuanced account, transcending the myths and legends that have accreted around the man.
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