 Anyone who undertakes to put his memories of Levi Eshkol on half a page is taking on an impossible mission. The main characteristics of Eshkol were myriad whether in his actions, speech or writings.
I knew Eshkol during the hardest times which decided the future of Zionism, i.e., the early days which heralded in the State of Israel. At that time he was involved with the basic activities for determining the future state, settlement, water and preparation for battle. With the establishment of the State, he took upon himself development of the rural settlements which stood the test of time in determining the future of Israeli society.
Eshkol was blessed with all the characteristics needed to undertake this special mission, he had a very fundamental, but sharp, understanding and wisdom which enabled him with quick perception and objectivity to judge the role of each settlement movement, and social component which participated in this outstanding mission. Notwithstanding this, he was open to listen and discuss every new idea, each old criticism, and most importantly, to each new and practical suggestion. He could differentiate between the important and unimportant and when making a decision did not take into consideration his own personal feelings and the vested interests which arose from them.
Notwithstanding his being an integral part of the famous founding fathers generation (known for its stubbornness and frankness), Eshkol was, nevertheless, different as we described him earlier.. As a result he succeeded not only in determining the general framework for the largest settlement operation in history, but he also mobilized the manpower necessary to plan and implement it. He was rewarded by seeing within his lifetime the fruits of his work dispersed throughout the plains and hills, the desert and the mountains of our country, there is no question that he deserved this special and incomparable right.
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