November 24 1889 – October 5 1974 Dates of office: May 21 1963 – May 24 1973

Shneor Zalman Robashov (Zalman Shazar) was born on November 24, 1889, in Mir, Belarus, to a family of Habad Hassids. The name Shazar was taken from the initials of his birth name. In 1892, he and his family moved to Stolvetzy, where he acquired a traditional Hassidic Yeshiva education, while at the same time being exposed to socialist and Zionist secular literature. At an early age, he joined the 'Poalei Tzion' movement, and in 1907, moved to Vilnius, to work as editor of the movement's publications together with Dov Bar Borochov. That same year, he was arrested for these activities. Later, Zalman Shazar pursued Oriental Studies, in St. Petersburg and became influenced by Shimon Dubnov and Y.L. Katznelson. In 1911, he visited the Land of Israel and became friendly with Berl Katznelson and the poet Rachel. In 1912, he went to Germany to study German philosophy and history. He helped found the German branches of the 'Poalei Tzion' party in 1916, and the 'Hahalutz' movement one year later. In 1920, he re-visited the Land of Israel as part of a 'Poalei Tzion' delegation. That same year he married Rachel Katznelson. At the 12th Zionist Congress in 1921, he was elected to the Zionist Workers' Committee, and served as delegate to many subsequent Congresses. In 1924, he settled in the Land of Israel, and became a member of the secretariat for the General Hebrew Workers' Federation.

Shazar participated in many fundraising delegations for the Zionist Federation and international socialist committees. When the Federation's daily newsletter, 'Davar', was established, Shazar joined the editorial staff. He also edited the 'Ahdut Ha'avoda' journal with Chaim Arlozorov between 1930 and 1932. From 1944 to 1949, Shazar was editor of 'Davar', and served as manager of the General Federation's publishing house, 'Am Oved'. In addition, he was a member of the Zionist Elected Assembly. In November 1947, he was a member of the delegation to the United Nations Assembly which decided on the establishment of the State of Israel. Shazar maintained contact with the Lubavitch Rabbi, who was instrumental in founding 'Kfar Habad' in Israel. He was a 'Mapai' Knesset Member from 1949 until the Third Knesset. Between 1949 and 1951, he served as Israel's first Minister of Education. In 1951, he was appointed to the Jewish Agency Administration, served as Director of its Education and Culture Department, and between 1956 and 1960 was its Administrative Director.

Zalman Shazar was elected President of the State of Israel on May 21, 1963. In 1968, he was elected for a second term which ended on May 24, 1973. During his years of office, the Presidential Residence was moved to a new, permanent location. The Presidential Residence became a center for scholars and intellectuals.

Shazar also encouraged gatherings for the study of the Bible and Diaspora Jewry, a tradition which still continues. In addition, he established a fund, which still exists, to aid scholars and writers in Israel. Contrary to the views of many Zionist leaders, Shazar did not reject Yiddish culture, or Eastern European Jewish culture in general. He preserved his affinity for religion. Shazar incorporated a synagogue into the Presidential Residence, and invited guests for Kiddush following Saturday morning services.

Shazar was an eloquent orator. His literary works included fiction, research and political journalism in both Yiddish and Hebrew.