Chaim Azriel Weizmann

Biography

Chaim Weizmann was born in a Jewish settlement in Motol, Belorussia. Inspired by his father’s broad worldview that embraced Zionism, science, radicalism and authors like Tolstoy, Weizmann grew up to embody his love of science and hatred of clericalism. He married Vera Khatzman in 1906. They had two sons.

Weizmann’s career was split in two, science and Zionism. As an industrial scientist he made many lucrative discoveries, including a bacterium that converted carbohydrates to acetones, which proved vital to Britain’s war effort. He also founded the Daniel Sieff Institute of Science in Rehovot in 1934. As a Zionist he wanted the creation of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. He convinced Lloyd-George to sign the Balfour Declaration promising British support, violating T.E. Lawrence’s agreement with Palestine. In 1920 he was appointed president of the World Zionist Organization, increasing Jewish territories in Palestine through fundraising and unification. Riots in Palestine in 1930 caused Britain to renege on the agreement and cost him the presidency. During World War II Weizmann’s pressure succeeded in creating Israel and he was elected president in 1948, serving until his death.

Addison Road became the centre of London’s Zionist movement and the base for Weizmann’s political campaigning. From here he petitioned the likes of Lloyd-George and Balfour, moving out after his appointment to the World Zionist Organisation.