David Ben-Gurion

Founder of Israel

Modern influential 119 sayings

Sayings by David Ben-Gurion

The Arabs understand only force.

1948 — Entry in his diary
Controversial Unverifiable

We must be a nation of pioneers, willing to sacrifice everything for our homeland.

1936 — Speech to youth movement
Controversial Unverifiable

The Zionist enterprise is a moral imperative.

1933 — Speech to Zionist Congress
Controversial Unverifiable

We will not be a nation that lives by the sword alone, but we will not hesitate to use it when necessary.

1955 — Speech to the Knesset
Controversial Unverifiable

The Negev must be settled by Jews, even if it means displacing Arabs.

1948 — Entry in his diary
Controversial Unverifiable

We must not depend on others for our security.

1957 — Speech to the Knesset
Controversial Unverifiable

The Jewish people have a right to their own state, just like any other people.

1947 — Speech to the UN General Assembly
Controversial Unverifiable

We must be a self-reliant nation.

1950 — Speech to the Knesset
Controversial Unverifiable

The establishment of Israel is a miracle, but we must work to sustain it.

1948 — Speech to the nation
Controversial Unverifiable

We must always be prepared for war.

1954 — Speech to military officers
Controversial Unverifiable

The future belongs to those who build.

1951 — Speech to new immigrants
Controversial Unverifiable

We must never forget the Holocaust, and we must ensure it never happens again.

1953 — Speech to the Knesset
Controversial Unverifiable

The ingathering of exiles is the essence of Zionism.

1946 — Speech to Zionist Congress
Controversial Unverifiable

We must be a nation that stands on its own feet.

1958 — Speech to the Knesset
Controversial Unverifiable

The security of Israel is paramount.

1956 — Statement to the Cabinet
Controversial Unverifiable

We must settle every part of the land.

1947 — Speech to youth movement
Controversial Unverifiable

Our destiny is in our own hands.

1948 — Speech to the nation
Controversial Unverifiable

Why should the Arabs make peace? If I was an Arab leader I would never make terms with Israel. That is natural: we have taken their country. Sure God promised it to us, but what does that matter to them? Our God is not theirs.

1978 (year of book publication, reflecting earlier statements) — Quoted by Nahum Goldmann in 'Le Paradoxe Juif' (The Jewish Paradox).
Humorous Unverifiable

We view them like donkeys. They don't care. They accept it with love.

Undated, but likely 1950s-1960s. — Referring to Moroccan immigrants, quoted in a discussion about their integration.
Humorous Unverifiable

A Jew is anyone who says he is.

Undated. — General statement on Jewish identity.
Humorous Unverifiable