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Chaim Weizmann was born in Motol, Russia in 1874. Weizmann studied biochemistry in Switzerland and Germany.
In 1904, Weizmann immigrated to England and worked as a research chemist at Manchester University. His discovery of a method to produce synthetic acetone helped the British during World War I and let to Weizmann become a part of British society - moving in the same circles as Lord Balfour and Winston Churchill.
As a spokesman for the Zionist cause, Weizmann helped persuade the British to issue the Balfour Declaration.
In 1918, Weizmann travelled to Palestine as part of the Zionist Commission sent by the British government to advise on the future development of the country. In Jerusalem, he attended the cornerstone-laying ceremony for the Hebrew University.
The following year, Weizmann led the Zionist delegation to the Peace Conference at Versailles. In 1920, Weizmann was elected president of the World Zionist Organization (WZO).
In the 1930's, Weizmann helped found the Daniel Sieff Research Institute in Rehovot and made his home in the same city.
During World War II, Weizmann helped establish the Jewish Brigade. After the war, Weizmann was instrumental in the adoption of the Partition Plan by the United Nations and the recognition of Israel by the United States.
Weizmann was chosen to serve as the first President of Israel. He served as president until his death in 1952. Movie and TV Credits:Links: | 
