Background

Michael Arnon was born on April 10, 1925, in Vienna, Wien, Austria. He was the son of Israel and Mela (Luft) Garfunkel.

Education

Diploma in Economics and International Affairs, University of London, 1951.

Career

After leaving for studies in London, Michael Arnon returned to Palestine and worked for the Palestine Post. Following the establishment of the State of Israel, he was employed by the Government Press Office and spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Michael Arnon gained his first diplomatic post abroad in 1951 and served for three years as the press attache in the Israeli embassy in London. His later diplomatic posts included service as the first secretary in the Israeli embassy in Washington DC (1956-1961). Michael Arnon then returned to Jerusalem to head the public diplomacy department. His final and senior posts were as Israel's ambassador to Ghana (1962-1965) and consul general in New York (1965-1968).

From 1968 to 1974 Michael Arnon served as Cabinet Secretary in the governments of prime ministers Levi Eshkol and Golda Meir. After leaving civil service he was made president of the Israel Bonds organization and from 1980 to 1983 Michael Arnon chaired the Israel Securities Authority. Arnon was also appointed as chairman of Continental Bank and president of Ampal-American Israel Corporation.

Michael Arnon died in Jerusalem in 2004.

Connections

Father:

Israel Garfunkel

Mother:

Mela (Luft) Garfunkel

Spouse:

Hadara Strod

m. February 24, 1948

child:

Dorit Arnon

child:

Ehud Arnon