Chaim Weizmann (1874–1952) was the first President of the State of Israel, a world-renowned scientist, and a leading figure in the Zionist movement.
Born in Motol in the Russian Empire (now Belarus), Weizmann was raised in a traditional Jewish family. In 1892, he left his homeland to study chemistry in Switzerland and Germany, and in 1899 earned a doctorate in organic chemistry. He later took up a research and teaching position at the University of Manchester in Britain, where he gained recognition for his scientific work—most notably for developing a method of producing acetone that proved vital to the British military during World War I.
Weizmann often said that science and Zionism were his two great passions, and throughout his life, he remained deeply engaged in both. As early as 1898, he participated in the Second Zionist Congress. He became known as the father of “synthetic Zionism,” an approach that combined political diplomacy with practical work—promoting international efforts to establish a Jewish state alongside the cultural and societal development of the Jewish community in Palestine. Leveraging his influence and connections in Britain, Weizmann played a key role in securing the 1917 Balfour Declaration, a landmark in the international recognition of the Jewish people’s national aspirations. He believed that British support was essential for the creation of a Jewish state, and his diplomatic leadership kept him at the forefront of the Zionist movement for decades. He held many top positions, including President of the World Zionist Organization.
Weizmann also championed higher education in pre-state Israel. He was one of the key figures behind the founding of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and spoke at its inauguration in 1925. He also established the Ziv Institute in Rehovot, later renamed the Weizmann Institute of Science in his honor. In 1949, following the establishment of the State of Israel, Weizmann was elected its first president—a role he held until he died in 1952.
Today, dozens of films and video clips documenting Weizmann’s life and achievements are preserved in the Israeli Film Archive. Among them are rare recordings from the British Mandate period showing him at Zionist congresses and during official visits to Jewish institutions in Palestine, often alongside prominent international figures. The collection also includes footage from the dedication ceremonies of the Weizmann Institute and the Hebrew University, as well as scenes from his funeral in 1952 and commemorative events held in his honor. These and other materials, including several documentaries, are available for public viewing on the archive’s website.
