1. Early Life and Education
Ernst David Bergmann was born in Germany in 1903. His father, Judah Bergmann, was a rabbi. Bergmann pursued his higher education in chemistry at the University of Berlin, where he studied under the renowned chemist Wilhelm Schlenk. He successfully obtained his Ph.D. in 1927. Following his doctoral studies, Bergmann continued his work at the University of Berlin. During this period, he collaborated with Schlenk on the comprehensive two-volume work, "Comprehensive Manual of Organic Chemistry" (Ausführliches Lehrbuch der Organischen Chemie). The first volume was published in 1932. However, with the rise of the Nazis to power, Bergmann, being Jewish, had his name removed from the title page of the second volume, which was published in 1939.
2. Migration and Early Career
In 1933, shortly after the Nazis gained power in Germany, Bergmann emigrated to London, where he began working with the distinguished chemist and Zionist leader Chaim Weizmann. During his time in London, Bergmann received an offer for a position at Oxford University from Sir Robert Robinson, a renowned organic chemist. However, Bergmann declined this offer, a decision Robinson later recalled with frustration.
Less than a year later, on January 1, 1934, Bergmann made aliyah (immigrated) to Mandatory Palestine. There, he joined the staff of the Daniel Sieff Research Institute in Rehovot. His early career in Palestine was marked by his involvement in defense projects during World War II, contributing his expertise to the efforts of the French, British, and Americans. After the war, Bergmann returned to the Sieff Institute, which subsequently evolved into the prestigious Weizmann Institute of Science.
3. Scientific and Public Service Career
Ernst David Bergmann's career after the establishment of Israel was characterized by a dual focus on significant government appointments and pioneering scientific contributions.
3.1. Government Appointments and Leadership
Bergmann's close relationship with David Ben-Gurion, Israel's first prime minister, led to his appointment to several crucial government positions. In August 1948, he was made chief of the Israel Defense Forces' science department. On July 15, 1951, he became the science adviser to the Minister of Defense, and in early 1952, he was appointed director of research for the Division of Research and Infrastructure within the Ministry of Defense. These roles placed him at the forefront of Israel's burgeoning scientific and defense infrastructure.
3.2. Role in the Israeli Nuclear Program
A pivotal moment in Bergmann's career came in June 1952 when Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion appointed him as the first chairman of the Israel Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC). In this capacity, Bergmann played an instrumental role in leading the development of the Israeli nuclear program, working closely with Ben-Gurion and Defense Minister Shimon Peres. Peres, who was appointed Director General of the Ministry of Defense at the young age of 30, was particularly instrumental in the practical execution of the nuclear project.
The activities of the IAEC were initially shrouded in extreme secrecy, and the agency's very existence remained unknown to the public until Bergmann himself publicly revealed it in 1954. The program benefited significantly from international cooperation, particularly from French assistance. This included the crucial role of French companies in the construction of the Dimona Reactor in Israel. Experts suggest that Israel might have been involved in or at least shared the results of France's first nuclear test in the Sahara Desert on February 13, 1960, a test that yielded 65 kilotons. In 1960, Ben-Gurion visited France to negotiate with President Charles de Gaulle, leading to an agreement that while the French government would officially withdraw from direct support of Israel's nuclear weapons development, French enterprises would continue to provide assistance. A unique aspect of the program's funding was that its budget was not formally included in the state budget; instead, it was largely financed through fundraising efforts from wealthy American Jewish philanthropists.
Bergmann offered his resignation from the IAEC in June 1964 after Ben-Gurion was succeeded by Levi Eshkol as prime minister. However, he was persuaded to remain in his position for two more years, finally resigning as chairman of the IAEC and from his two defense ministry posts on April 1, 1966.
3.3. Academic Contributions and Publications
Beyond his governmental and defense roles, Bergmann maintained a distinguished academic career. He became the chair of organic chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He also worked with graduate students at Technion in Haifa. Over his lifetime, Bergmann was a prolific researcher, publishing more than 500 peer-reviewed scientific papers in international journals. He made particularly critical contributions to the field of fluorine chemistry, a testament to his expertise and enduring impact on chemical research.
4. Personal Life
Ernst David Bergmann was married to Ottilie Blum, who was also a chemist.
5. Death
Ernst David Bergmann passed away on April 6, 1975, at the age of 71.
6. Awards and Recognition
Bergmann's extensive contributions to science and public service earned him several prestigious accolades:
- In 1956, he was awarded the Weizmann Prize for his work in the field of organic chemistry and for his efforts in promoting theoretical and practical science in Israel.
- In 1968, Bergmann received the Israel Prize in life sciences, which is considered the highest cultural honor in Israel.
7. Legacy and Evaluation
Ernst David Bergmann's legacy is deeply intertwined with the scientific and strategic development of Israel.
7.1. Contributions and Achievements
Bergmann's most significant contribution was his foundational work in establishing Israel's nuclear program. His leadership as the first chairman of the IAEC, coupled with his close collaboration with key political figures like David Ben-Gurion and Shimon Peres, was instrumental in developing the nation's nuclear capabilities, which is widely seen as a cornerstone of Israel's national security strategy. Beyond this, his academic career left a lasting mark on organic and fluorine chemistry, reflected in his extensive publications and his role in shaping the next generation of scientists at leading Israeli universities. His efforts significantly advanced scientific research and education within the nascent state of Israel.
7.2. Secrecy and Debates
The Israeli nuclear program, developed under Bergmann's leadership, was characterized by extreme secrecy, a policy that continues to be a subject of historical debate and international scrutiny. The covert nature of its development, including the non-disclosure of the IAEC's existence for two years and the use of private funding channels from abroad, has raised questions regarding transparency in international relations and nuclear non-proliferation efforts. This secrecy, while considered vital for national security by Israel, has presented a complex challenge to global non-proliferation norms and remains a critical aspect of understanding Israel's strategic posture.