Golda Meir Bust

Have you ever heard of a prime minister nicknamed “The Iron Lady”? Here at Golda Meir Square, stands a bronze bust of Golda Meir. She earned that nickname through her unwavering leadership as the fourth, and only female, Prime Minister of Israel. The Golda Meir Bust, sculpted by Beatrice Goldfine, was dedicated on October 3, 1984. The bust, commissioned by the Jewish Community Relations Council, sits atop a pink granite pedestal, standing six and a half feet tall. Golda Meir Square, where this bust resides, is located between 39th and 40th streets on Broadway. It’s a poignant location, once part of the old Metropolitan Opera House. Imagine the echoes of Enrico Caruso and Vaslav Nijinsky, who made their American debuts on this very spot. The opera house, built in 1883, was a hub for New York society until its demolition in 1966. The Golda Meir Bust is more than just a tribute to a political figure. It symbolizes a life dedicated to public service. Golda Meir was born Golda Mabovitch in 1898. She served as Minister of Labour, Foreign Minister, and ultimately Prime Minister. She was the first female head of state to oversee a nuclear weapons program. She navigated Israel through the Yom Kippur War and the War of Attrition. She also ordered “Operation Wrath of God” after the Munich massacre at the 1972 Olympics. Golda Meir’s connection to New York ran deep. She considered the city a “haven of refuge” for Jewish people. In 1969, Mayor John Lindsay awarded her the key to the city and the Gold Medal. The Golda Meir Bust stands as a reminder of her indomitable spirit. It’s a quiet testament to her enduring legacy in the heart of a bustling city.