Abba Eban - Was he the greatest Israeli of all time?

History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives - Abba Eban

I voted yes because as a youth his name was synonymous with Israel.

I voted yes because he was, though over nationalistic, rational about matters that others haven't been able to be rational about.

Stout fella.

Can I say this, well I am going to any way, I think Isreal has always been to nationalistic. I understand the fear but they dominate the area with their military power. If a statesman like Abba Eban was in power I think a negotiated agreement could be reached. Abba Eban seemed to me to be able to see a bigger picture. The man spoke ten languages, he could talk to anyone.

Abba Eban was often at odds with the non-diaspora over when to negotiate and when not to. He didn't pull punches when he ripped into Israel's enemies but he was also more reasoned in his dealings with them than almost any Israeli. I wish he'd been able to do as well with the people in his country as he did with his people outside of the country.

Aubrey (that was his real name; Abba was his Hebrew name. He was born in South Africa) was quite a guy. Really, an amazing diplomat and speaker. His own country didn't realize how important he was to them, which is pretty sad.

The NY Times today has a very informative obit on him.

Jes,

I hadn't seen your post back in November but I did read the NY Times obit (read quite a few that day). He was