VIRTUAL JEWISH MUSEUM

Zionist flag

A series of cigarette premiums in the early 1900s portrayed flags of the world on silk. It included this one labeled 'Zion'. A variety of early versions had begun to appear in the 1880s. The second Zionist congress adopted this design in 1898: white with two stripes symbolizing a Talit, the blue reminiscent of the blue fringe of Tzitzit, and the 'shield of David' in the center. In 1948 it became the official flag of the State of Israel.

Zion.silk Hatikvah

This silk version of the flag includes the very beginning of Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem. First published in the 1880s, Hatikvah -'The Hope' - was adopted by Hovevai Tziyon and later the Zionist congress as their anthem. Israel adopted it as their anthem after the state was founded.

Haskalah Science textbook

Published in 1876 by the Society for the Promotion of Enlightenment among the Jews of Russia, this is a text about steam engines and their applications. It appears to be one in a series called 'Treasury of Knowledge and Science'. Every word is in Hebrew. This illustrates the growing interest in secular studies, and use of Hebrew, among Jews in the second half of the 19th century.

Haskalah text illustration

Countless illustrations accompany the Hebrew text, showing features of engineering and physics. Many terms are translated into Yiddish/German words, but always in Hebrew letters. This was a new genre of Hebrew literature, contributing to a new sense of people-hood.

R' Yitzchak Yaakov Reines

Yitzchak Reines was a Lithuanian rabbi at the forefront of Religious Zionism. He was a founding member of Hovevei Tziyon and believed in synthesizing Torah and labor. That became the motto of the movement he founded in 1902 called Mizrachi - short for Mercaz Ruchani = spiritual center. He supported Herzl at a time when many other rabbis did not.

R' Reines postcard

His greetings and blessings show his feelings toward the Land. "May G-d privilege him to see the raising up of Torah and our People in our Holy Land soon in our days. With blessings of Zion and Jerusalem...".

Zionist Rabbis

This postcard pictures 7 Rabbinic leaders who supported Zionist efforts. Rabbis Z.H. Kalischer, N.Z.Y. Berlin, E. Spektor, S. Mohliver, A.Y. Kook, Y. Zlotnik, and Y.Y. Reines.

Hovevei Tziyon

This educational sticker, printed in Palestine in the 1930s, pictures members of Hovevei Tziyon in Katovitz (Katowice) Poland in 1884. As a response to Russian pogroms, Jewish societies formed for emigration to Eretz Yisrael and founded some of the very first towns there.

Hovevei Tziyon.Kattowicz

Kattowitz was then in Germany - today in Poland. This was an attempt to unify the various Zionist societies in Russia. They resolved to promote farming among the Jews and support Jewish settlement in Eretz Israel. They decided to send immediately 10,000 francs to Petaḥ Tikvah and other settlements and to establish a general Jewish fund, whose primary task would be to redeem land in Eretz Israel.

Mikveh Yisrael postcard

Mikveh Yisrael is an agricultural school that was founded in 1870 to prepare high school age students for work, management, and research in a variety of fields. Its thousands of graduates helped start villages, kibbutzim, moshavot, farms and other schools. Some students board, some study in French, and some are follow a course of religious instruction. This postcard pictures 'Grape harvest at Mikveh Yisrael'.

Mikveh Yisrael.Shabbat

This letter was sent to the Rabbinic Council in 1920. In it the undersigned rabbis strongly criticize the director of Mikveh Yisrael for stating openly that she does not expect her students to observe the Sabbath. Despite the religious observance of early settlers, large waves of mostly secular immigrants made these developments rather inevitable.

Visiting Card.1905

'Isaac' created visiting cards for himself with his photo on the front. He is dressed in modern (1905) clothing. At the bottom he writes in Hebrew "If I forget Jerusalem, May my right hand forget its cunning' - an often quoted verse from Psalms - and signs his name. We already feel his connection with the Holy Land.

Hatikvah

On the back of this card he writes in Hebrew several lines of the original version of Hatikvah ('the Hope'): 'We haven't lost the Hope to return to the land of our fathers...'. That poem was written after the founding of Petah Tikvah in 1878 and became the anthem of the Zionist movement at the first Zionist congress in 1897.

Hatzevi newspaper.1899

Eliezer ben Yehudah, described as the Father of Modern Hebrew, founded this newspaper in 1884. It became the organ of the 'New Yishuv', the modern thinking pioneers. It reported on events in Hebrew and offered translations of literary works. This prompted Ben Yehudah to create new vocabulary which eventually led to his dictionary of Modern Hebrew. The Ottoman government shut it down in 1914. This issue came out in 'year 15' = 1899, on Friday 22 Av.

Cantonists

Burned into Russian Jewish memory was the policy of the Cantonists - military child recruits. From 1827 -1856 government policy conscripted sons of Jewish soldiers and subjected them to training and conversion. During war-time, 'Khappers' (grabbers) would raid villages, kidnap Jewish boys and add them to the child-training population. At age 18, they were required to served for 25 years. Pictured is one such conscript.

Russian Pogroms

Along with the idealistic reasons for leaving Europe for the Holy Land, was a pragmatic one - survival. Jews lived under many restrictions regarding travel and livelihood. Pogroms were the last straw. These state-sponsored attacks against Jews destroyed people, homes, businesses, communities. Between 1903 - 1906 there were about 660 such attacks in Russian territories. These cards illustrate the loss of lives and property.

Pogrom medal

This Dutch medal shows a typical tragic scene, while in the corner Jews flee for their lives. Above are the words 'Shema Yisrael'. On the back Psalsm 44 is quoted: "Arise and help us', with the inscription 'For the victims of pogroms'. It was probably given out in appreciation of relief donations.

Jewish Pogrom 'Funeral March'

This sheet music was distributed in late 1905 on the occasion of a mass demonstration on behalf of the suffering Jews in Russia. It is titled 'The Funeral March' and was a response to the Kiev pogrom of 1905 as well as many others. Over 200,000 marched or watched in support. The marchers were organized by their affiliation with labor unions, fraternal lodges, synagogues, etc. The intention was also to raise funds for Jewish self-defense in Russia.

Pogrom victim society

This document from 1919 was issued by the Committee to Help Pogrom Victims. It authorizes Leah Samulovna Prushanska to collect funds, food and clothing for the victims. It is signed and stamped by the seal of the Committee.

Bilu

The Pogroms of the early 1880s motivated some idealistic Russian Jews to come to Palestine to create agricultural settlements. They took as their slogan "Beit Yaakoiv Lechu Veneilcha" , a quote from Isaiah 2 meaning 'House of Jacob Let us Go". The initials are BILU and they became known as the 'Biluim'. This label from the Hechalutz movement in Riga displays this phrase on the bottom. In the center a Jew plows the land. They weren't very successful but inspired others to follow.

Petach Tikvah

Petah Tikvah - 'The Beginning of Hope' - was started in 1878, the first new agricultural settlement in Ottoman territory. Its founders were observant Jews who intended to work the land. The start was rocky, (actually swampy) but with support from Edmund Rothschild, it became established. Today it is a bustling city. The postcard, mailed in 1914, pictures orchard irrigation.

Petach Tikva

The card was mailed to Egypt at Jaffa. Actually, the family lived in Tel-Aviv, but just 5 years old, that town did not yet have a post office. So the return address is 'Tel Aviv near Jaffa'.

Petach Tikvah stamp

In 1910 Petah Tikvah had its own private stamp. And a postmark to cancel it. Their mail was handled by the Austrian post office in Jaffa. The Ottoman government was unhappy with this arrangement and stopped its usage, making it quite rare. This one was canceled by the local government and again at the Jaffa post office.

Hechalutz - the Pioneer

Hechalutz was an agricultural youth movement founded in 1905. It eventually had branches in the Americas, Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It became the umbrella for the various pioneering groups. Farms were established to train young Zionists to work productively when they reached the Land.

Rishon Letziyon settlement

Rishon LeZion was founded in 1882, the second modern Jewish settlement in the Land. These Jews from the Ukraine had no agricultural experience and were faced with sandy soil and little water. Here too Rothschild support made them viable. And he helped them create the Carmel-Mizrahi winery. This medal shows the 'old Israel' on one side and the thriving settlement on the other, with various verses from the Bible. It is dated in the founding year 1882 but was probably minted later.

Zichron Yaakov

Zichron Yaakov was the third modern settlement, begun by Romanian Jews. They too faced hardships and were helped by Edmund Rothschild. He established a winery here too. He named the town after his father James/Yaakov. The postcard shows a main street from early twentieth century. Edmund's remains were buried here in 1954.

Zichron token

These tokens were reportedly minted in Paris for use in the 'colony'. They were produced in 3 denominations: '1', '1/2', and '1/4'. They were designed to promote commerce in the colony but usage spread to surrounding Arab villages. The Ottoman government put a stop to that, and they are quite scarce.

Honoring Rothschild

Rosh Pinna

Rosh Pinna, near Tzefat in the Galil, was the fourth 'colony' , settled by Romanians in late 1882. It too would have failed but for the support and management of the Rothschilds.

Rehovot

Rehovot, south of Tel Aviv, was founded in 1890 by Polish immigrants on land purchased from a Christian Arab. They wished to be independent of Rothschild. It was undeveloped, with no trees or water. After some failures, citrus groves were successfully planted and became a major industry of the town. The prominent synagogue in the distance was built in 1903.

Russian society for colonization

This letter from Odessa in 1909 is from the 'Council of the Society for Support of Jews Working the Land & Practicing Trades in Syria & the Land of Israel.' That was the name of the local Hovevei Tziyon chapter. It informs of the sale of a parcel of land, in the Achuzat Bayit village near Jaffa, and complains that the area is not being developed. Later that year they voted to change the name of the settlement to - - Tel Aviv.

Nachalat Binyamin

Nachalat Binyamin was a small settlement near the just-founded Achuzat Bayit. About 35 homes were built by 1912. A year later it was incorporated into Tel Aviv. It was basically one long street. In the 80’s a portion of the street was made into a pedestrian mall & large arts & crafts fair, which continues today. This postcard shows Nachalat Binyamin at its very beginning. The caption describes it as a suburb of Jaffa !

JNF receipt - Settlement map view

This receipt for a donation to the JNF is denominated in kopecks so must have been issued in Russia. It locates some 20 new Jewish settlements in the Land. Tel Aviv is not shown (but Yafo is), dating this receipt to sometime before 1909.

Hashomer Self-Defense

Hashomer ('the guard') was a Jewish defense organization. It was organized in 1909 to guard Jewish settlements throughout the Land. Previously they had depended on foreign governments or Arab watchmen. The members trained in using firearms, acquired horses, and adopted customs of the surrounding Bedouins. This postcard series commemorated wounded & fallen members and advertised a book about them. Meir Chasanowitsch was wounded at Merchavya.

Hashomer self-defense

They were successful and disbanded only when the larger and more formal Haganah was created in 1920. This label was issued by the JNF marking the 70th anniversary.

Hashomer Defense

The Shomrim were successful in defending Jewish settlements around the country. Their policy was to scare off intruders and shoot only as a last resort. This postcard, printed by the Jewish publishing house ‘Lebanon’ in Moscow, pictures a Shomer mounted and typically dressed.

Mendel Beilis trial

Mendel Beilis, a brick-factory superintendent in Kiev, was framed in 1911 for the murder of a child. The accusation included the old anti-Semitic charge that Jews needed Christian blood for their rituals. This was a 20th century iteration of the medieval blood libels. The case aroused anti-Semitic feeling at home and international interest abroad. He was successfully defended and the 12 peasant Christian jurors, illustrated here, acquitted him in 1913. Another reason for Jews to emigrate.

Testifying for Beilis

This is R' Yaakov Mazeh (1859-1924). He was the government-appointed Chief Rabbi of Moscow. He was a practicing Lawyer, having graduated from Moscow University. R' Mazeh testified for the defense in the Beilis Blood Libel case in 1913.

Beilis.souvenir medalet

The Beilis trial took place in Kiev from September 25 through October 28, 1913. He was acquitted. This medalet was issued afterwards as a souvenir. The front pictures Beilis between his first and last names in Yiddish. The back gives his name in Russian and Hebrew/Yiddish again. In the center we see the year, and the date in Hebrew: 10 MarCheshvan 5674 which equates to 10 November 1913. Perhaps that was the date that his verdict was finalized?

Beilis in Palestine

Beilis left Russia for Palestine. He settled on a farm but had a hard time making a living. He moved to New York in 1921 and published his story. He died in 1934. This check was made out to him in 1914. He signed it on the back in Hebrew.

Soviet Anti-semitism

Soviet treatment of Jews was not much of an improvement. This Italian propaganda card from the 1930s portrays Soviet abuse of Jewish citizens. It quotes Mussolini: "It is this Russia that we see sinking into the abyss of absurd utopias, its super-capitalist social chaos, its infinite misery, its atrocious crimes ... ".

Dreyfuss.dishonored & reinstated

Western Europe was no more hospitable to Jews. Alfred Dreyfus, a French career army officer, was framed for the crime of selling military secrets to the Germans. He was convicted in 1894 and spent nearly 5 years on Devil's Island near South America. These postcards illustrate his public dishonorable expulsion from the army and subsequent reinstatement in 1906. This 'affair' divided France and rocked the world through its publicity. Everyone was either pro-Dreyfus or an anti-Dreyfusard.

Anti-Dreyfus Drumont labels

Edward Drumont led anti-Semitic activity with his paper 'La Libre Parole' (Free Speech). These anti-Semitic labels convey his sentiments: 'The Jew crushes you under his heel....In France one never liked the Jew, who lives by exploiting others'...Don't buy anything from Jews'. The tri-color design invokes nationalist feelings from the French Revolution.

Drumont.La Libre Parole

Here is an issue of Drumont’s newspaper, from 1893. It is full of anit-Semitic cartoons and comments. The front cover illustration shows a Jewish caricature next to an angel-of-death figure and sacks of money. The caption: “She becomes dry this old land of France; she still thirsts for blood and tears ... He'll be watering it incessantly”.

Dreyfus 'Players'

This postcard, mailed in November 1898, pictures the prominent personalities in the Dreyfus Affair. In the top center is a photo of Dreyfus. Picquart was an intelligence officer who concluded he was innocent. Labori was defense attorney. Brisson and Faure were Prime ministers during this affair. Emile Zola's front article ‘Jaccuse’ pointed a finger at the French military for conspiring against Dreyfus. Below we see the opponents & accusers-ministers and journalists- & Esterhazy the real spy.

Dreyfus.Trial.Medalet

This pendant was issued at the same time, as the world watched. The 'pro' side shows Dreyfus, Zola, and Labori. The 'con' side shows Esterhazy and Du Paty De Clam. copper 28 mm.

Dreyfus Affair cards

Thousands of different postcards related to Dreyfus were published. The above is politically dramatic, showing 'Justice' being led away from reality by the military. Below, shows Devil's Island off the coast of S. America, his home in exile for 5 years. He was eventually exonerated.

Theodore Herzl

Theodore Herzl, an assimilated journalist, is considered the father of modern political Zionism. He covered the Dreyfus Affair and witnessed first hand the wave of anti-Semitic sentiment it aroused. He wrote that it led him to conclude that the Jews would only be at peace in their own homeland. Here is his photo, taken in Europe, and his visiting card. He signed it on the back, with the interesting comment: 'No one, more than a leader, should consider the opinions of other people'. May 1898.

The Jewish State

Herzl set a number of things in motion to promote his ideas. In February 1896 he published in German 'The Jewish State', laying out his idea of creating a Political State for Jews that would solve the Jewish problem of European Anti-Semitism. He discounted the colonization efforts as being ultimately unproductive and worked for a political solution. He popularized the term Zionism, and set out to meet with world leaders who could support his cause.

East Africa

The British offered Herzl a place of refuge in Uganda, East Africa. This proposal was brought up at the 1903 Zionist Congress and had some proponents. It was voted down 2 years later. There were also thoughts of Canada, Australia, Texas, and more. The overwhelming majority favored Palestine and that became the goal of the movement. This New York journal 'The Literary Digest' reported on the proposal in a column seen here, in September 1903.

Holy Land.Zionism.Uganda plan.article

Die Welt newspaper

In June 1897 Herzl founded a weekly German language newspaper 'Die Welt' (The World) to promote Zionism. It reported on Zionist news, events concerning settlements in Palestine, essays and translations. It lasted until 1914. This particular issue was published right after Herzl's death in 1904 and includes tributes to him and appreciation from his family for the out-pouring of condolences.

Zionist Congress medal

Herzl convened a 'Zionist Congress' in Basle in 1897, attended by 200 participants from 17 countries. Their stated goal: "Zionism seeks for the Jewish people a publicly recognized legally secured homeland in Palestine." This medal, from the following year, is full of symbolism for the new dawn in Jewish life. The quote from Ezekiel 37:21 "Behold I take the Jewish people from among the nations and bring them to their land."

Second Zionist Congress.1898

This charming pendant dated 1898 is packed with symbolism and Biblical verses. One side portrays the 'old' Holy Land with Jews praying at the Western Wall and the verse "If I forget Thee Jerusalem...". The 'new' Israel portrays plowers and harvesters with the verse from Amos 9: Days are coming when the plower will harvest...".

Congress souvenir

This medalet was a souvenir of the 2nd Zionist congress. It pictures the presidium, with their Hebrew names: Herzl, Bernard Lazare, Dr. Max Mandelstam, Dr. Max Nordau, and Rabbi Moshe Gaster. They were prominent leaders in the early Zionist movement. The back shows the famous verse from Ezekiel and also describes in Yiddish that this is from the Congress in 1898.

Jewish Colonial Trust share

The Jewish Colonial Trust was founded at the 2nd Zionist Congress, in 1898. It was the financial institution of the Zionist organization. In 1902 it formed the Anglo-Palestine Bank to carry out its operations. This is a share certificate issued to people who bought into the Trust.

Canadian Zionists buy land

This label was issued by the 'Federation of Zionist Societies of Canada, founded in 1898. There was much activity there, supported by Christians as well as Jews. This label, valued at 10 cents, was a way for supporters to buy shares in the Colonial Trust, bit by bit.

Anglo Palestine bank check

This bank facilitated the operations of settlement in the Land. Through land purchase, bank loans, importation, and housing construction, it became a reliable institution with numerous branches. This check for 1000 francs was cashed in 1903. Notice that it announces closing on the Sabbath and holidays. This bank became 'Bank Leumi' after the War of Independence.

Jewish National Fund medal

The Jewish National Fund (JNF), called in Hebrew Keren Kayemet LeYisrael, was founded in 1901 at the 5th Zionist congress. Its purpose was to buy and develop land for Jewish settlements. More recently it focused on planting trees, building roads, and promoting water conservation. The boy on this medal is putting a coin in the Blue Box, which is found in homes all over the world for fund-raising. This medal doesn't show Tel Aviv, which was not yet founded (1909) when it was struck.

A Land without a People ..

The slogan 'A land without a people for a people without a land' was applied to the early Zionist cause. 19th century travelers and pilgrims reported vast unpopulated and uncultivated areas in the Land. It was claimed that it would be an appropriate fit for Jews to return to this land from countries that had treated them as outsiders or second-class residents. As settlements began to thrive, and there was work to be had, Arabs from surrounding areas were attracted to the Land.

JNF Herzl card

The JNF issued many postcards and 'stamps' to raise funds and awareness. This one shows Herzl, his pamphlet 'The Jewish State' and above, as if in his imagination, a figure leading the Jewish people to their land, with the Zionist flag flying. His famous quote: 'If you will it, it is no fable.'

JNF card Blue Box

On this JNF postcard, a grandfatherly figure demonstrates to his grandson the importance of giving charity to 'The Blue box'. In the distance, the sun rises over the Land. This postcard also bears an example of the first JNF label, which reads simply 'Zion' inside a Jewish star and a floral design.

British Zionism

The English Zionist Federation issued this medal in 1902 at the coronation of Edward VII and Alexandra. Above, in Hebrew, it includes "In their days and in ours may Judea be saved" which comes from the prayer for the government. On the back, another allegorical scene of bringing the dispersed home to the land. On the sun we read 'Zion' and above "There is hope for your future" from Jeremiah 31:16. A similar image was portrayed on the Zionist congress postcard in 1900 in London.

Balfour declaration.

On November 2, 1917, the Zionist movement finally got what it sought: a declaration of support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine from a major world power. The 'Balfour Declaration' sent in a letter by British Foreign Secretary A. Balfour to Lord Walter Rothschild, expressed his government's support for establishment of a homeland in Palestine for the Jewish people. This souvenir envelope reproduces that declaration,along with the UN establishment of the State of Israel, postmarked May 16,1948.

Balfour Weitzmann Postcard

Lord Balfour visited the Jewish community of Palestine in 1925, on the occasion of the opening of the Hebrew University. He is tall, in the center, shown here, standing next to Chaim Weizmann. Meir Dizengoff is at the far right and Nahum Sokolow is second from left. They're visiting the Agricultural Experiment Station established by the Jewish Agency in 1921.

Lord Arthur James Balfour

Balfour and Weizmann

Israel issued this pair of stamps in 1967, at the 50th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration. Weizmann, a chemist in England in 1917, made important contributions to the British war effort. Additionally, England hoped that by favoring the Jews in Palestine, America would be influenced to support their war effort.

British Palestine Journal

This journal was published by the British Palestine Committee. It is volume 2 #16 and came out only a few weeks after the Balfour declaration. Its 5 articles deal with how the Declaration was received, how the war is progressing in Palestine, and how three peoples, Jews, Armenians and Arabs, should live together in harmony in this part of the world. There is a report on how the Jewish 'colonies' are faring during the war.

Zionism.Suvalk

Zionist activity spread to many communities, some quite far-flung. The Jews of Suwalki, a Polish/Lithuanian community, were intensely involved in the Zionism movement. Beginning in the late 19th century a large number of Jewish inhabitants immigrated to Palestine. Avraham Stern, the leader of the Lohamei Herut Israel (LEHI), commonly referred to as the Stem gang, who fought for an independent Jewish State, was born and raised in Suwalki. Membership card 1919.

Zionism.Besarabia

Bessarabia was sometimes part of Romania and sometimes part of Russia. Today it is known as the state of Moldova. They helped found Ḥovevei Zion and sent delegates to the first Zionist Congress. The local Zionist office was established in 1920. This registered letter was sent in 1926.

Zionism.Ukraine

Judaism & Zionism thrived in the Ukraine, diminished by WWI, the Russian Revolution, & Communism. Mailed 26 June 1917 from Bryansk with a Russian stamp overprinted for Ukraine use. Sent to the Bronx. Note the Magen David above the adressee, with 'Zion' in Hebrew script inside.

New.seperaate.Zionism_edited

Zionism in Iran

The modernizing influence of the Pahlevi dynasty (1925-1979) brought greater freedom to the Jews of Iran. The government was more hostile before and during World War II but did have relations with Israel. This calendar was sent out by the Youth group 'Dror' in 1963. Most Jews left Iran after the Islamic revolution in 1979.

Zionism.Aden

Aden is on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, next to Yemen, from where most of its Jews originally came. Once the British took control of this area, Jews were attracted and developed a prosperous business class. They maintained ties with the land of Israel throughout the years. This Shekel receipt for payment of Zionist dues is dated prominently 1948 but probably preceded the founding of the state. Jews gradually left Aden after the 1948 war.

Zionism.Cuba

Jews came to Cuba from Brazil, the Caribbean and later from Eastern Europe. They were treated fairly well until the 1960s but things went sour after the 6 day war. Over 90% left after the Cuban revolution in 1959. This envelope, from the Zionist Union in Cuba was mailed in the 1940s.

Zionism.Sfax

Zionism.Shanghai

Shanghai seems like an unlikely place for a Zionist organization. Jews in fact had come in the middle 1800s, from Iraq and India and later Russia. But it became a haven for refugees in WWII sheltering some 20,000 Jews fleeing Hitler. They included this Jewess from Germany, who spent nearly 10 years in the Shanghai ghetto waiting for a visa to the United States. She obtained this Zionist membership card in December 1945.

Kollel Warsaw

The non-pioneering Jews who came to the Holy Land lived in the 4 'Holy Cities' of Jerusalem, Hebron, Tzefat and Tiberias. They continued to speak the Yiddish of their childhood, prayed & studied Torah, and waited for the Messiah. They were organized into groups called Kollel, usually based upon their countries of origin. With little means of support, they relied on donations from abroad. This document, for the members of the Warsw Kollel, promises to distribute funds when available.

Kollel note..Hungarian

There were a variety of Kollelim, mostly supported by their home communities. When funds were late in coming, they would issue these I.O.U.s to their dependent families. They actually circulated as a form of money. Sometimes they were paid off piecemeal as funds came in. This one is from the 'Austria Hungary Kollel and was issued in 1915.

Kollel Hungary.back

The back shows that this note was paid in 4 or more installments. Finally it was stamped 'Paid up'.

Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld. autograph

One of the most assertive leaders of the "Old Yishuv" as this population was called, was R' Sonnenfeld (1848-1932). He came to Jerusalem in 1873 and eventually became the leader of the 'Eidah Hachareidis', the Pious Community. They were staunchly anti-Zionist. While living in the Holy Land was a pious act, creating a Jewish state without the Messiah was defying G-d's will. All the more-so since the Zionists were mostly secular & had abandoned a life of Torah observance. He signed this note.

R' Yosef Ch Sonnenfeld

The previous note dealt with Kosher supervision in the community. This postcard shows R' Sonnenfeld escorting Tomas Masaryk, president of Czechoslovakia, upon his visit to Jerusalem in 1927.

Ottoman draft notice

In November 1914, the Ottoman Empire entered World War I, joining the Central Powers, versus the Allies. This page was an insert to the Hebrew newspaper Haherut, primarily representing the Sepharadim. It calls for the listed people to come, the next day, to the Ottoman army headquarters in Jerusalem for purposes of the draft. Anyone who fails to appear will be considered a deserter, subject to penalties and punishments.

Ottoman recruiting.

There are over 300 names on the two sides of the page. They include some well-known families. Some Jews fought voluntarily: others were conscripted or paid large fines to escape enlistment.

Turkish Citizen document.front

Turkish citizen document.back

Ottoman Jewish POW

Jews did show loyalty to the Ottoman empire and joined the military. Those captured by the British were held in a POW camp in Alexandria Egypt, called Sidi Bishir. Haim ben Zelman was held there. He sent this envelope to Wolf Glouskin, director of the Carmel wine branch in Alexandria. No stamp needed for POWs. It is postmarked 29 June 1918 and censored by the British army.

Help for Exiles

Untrusting of foreign nationals, the Ottoman government deported thousands of Jews too Egypt. There, they were helped by David Idelovitch, a Carmel Wine representative in Alexandria. He called his help organization Shivath Zion ('Return to Zion') and operated it out of his Carmel wine office address. That's where this envelope was sent on 6 August 1918. The envelope was opened by a collector so both sides could be seen, showing the postmarks and censorship mark.

Austrian Citizen Recruitment

Many Jewish residents of Palestine were foreign citizens. Turkey had reluctantly agreed to let them be governed by the laws of those countries. This document is from the Austro Hungarian consulate in Tzefat. It deals with the recruitment of Meilech Zeisler. Noting that he has a wife and 3 daughters, he is deferred right now for the period of one year. (It's not likely that he would have wanted to join that army anyway, although thousands of Jews did serve in the Austrian and German armies.

British protection

Hertz Goldberg is under British Protection, as stated in this certificate issued in 1900. It was wisely kept on his person to be shown if he was challenged by government officials. Issued in Jerusalem, it had to be renewed annually. It helped protect against arbitrary Ottoman treatment.

British protection.back

The back of the document shows us that his wife, Kella is included. Further, we see that it was renewed in 1902 and 1903.

German forces in Palestine

Germany did send troops to Palestine to support the weak Ottoman armies. This soldier wrote home from Jerusalem to Berlin on 22 December 1916. The postmark reads 'Mil(itary) Mission' which was the German effort of support for the Ottomans in Palestine.

German soldier postcard

This side of the postcard shows a view of the Old City of Jerusalem. It is looking west from the Mount of Olives. The Dome of the Rock is prominent in the left foreground. Synagogues and churches are also visible in the distance.

British Forces. General Allenby

Britain & France declared war on Turkey on 5 Nov 1914. When Ottoman forces attacked the Suez Canal in January 1915, British forces became active in the region. They successfully defended Egypt and the Canal but suffered defeat at Gallipolis. Eventually they dominated the conflict and defeated the German/Ottoman forces. Under General Allenby (pictured here) they conquered Gaza, Beer Sheva, Jerusalem and the rest of Palestine.

Allenby in Jerusalem

Allenby took over Jerusalem on December 11, 1917. He walked into the Old City, stood with his entourage at the Citadel, and declared Martial Law, also granting freedom to all the religions there. This postcard preserves that image.

Palestine News

French Forces in Palestine

France was an ally of Britain in the war. Some French troops fought with the British against the Turks. This postcard was sent by one such soldier. The photo pictures the Dome of the Rock. The rubber stamp reads 'Detachment of Palestine' and there is no stamp, just the imprint showing it was military mail. Mailed 5 January 1918.

French soldier writes home

Turkish Jew in Jewish Legion

Many Jews in the area were supportive of the British and volunteered to fight with them. This envelope was sent from Constantinople, Turkey, to a soldier fighting for Britain in the 40th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (Jewish Legion). He has written in the corner, in Ladino script, 'On Wednesday I faithfully put this letter in the post'. A Turkish son, fighting against the Ottoman Empire!

Joseph Trumpeldor.Zion Mule Corps

Joseph Trumpeldor was a Russian war hero and ardent Zionist. Along with Jabotinsky he developed the idea of an all-Jewish military unit that would join the British war effort. Russian Jews had fled Palestine or been exiled to Egypt. They were recruited into the 'Zion Mule Corps', a supply unit that brought food water & ammunition to the front - as foreign nationals they were forbidden to join the actual combat. Captain Trumpeldor was second in command under Lt. Colonel John Patterson.

Trumpeldor at Gallipoli

The Zion Mule Corps joined the British troops attacking Gallipoli in western Turkey, to ensure a secure sea route to Russian allies. They served from April to December 1915. The British lost that battle but the Mule corps was singled out for bravery and determination. Trumpeldor addressed and sent this envelope from the field to his girlfriend in Egypt, on November 4th.

Vladimir Zev Jabotinsky

Jabotinsky was a journalist and orator in Russia, where he organized Jewish self-defense groups. He became a Zionist and was a delegate to the 6th Zionist congress. His efforts led to the Zion Mule Corps. Then he persuaded London to establish three Jewish battalions which became known as the Jewish Legion. He was serving in the 38th battalion when he received this envelope 4 October 1919.

Jabotinsky

Anzac Forces

The British troops at Gallipoli were made up of Australian and New Zealand soldiers, with some Scottish and Indian troops. The 10,000 plus losses in that campaign of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps are remembered each year on the anniversary of its beginning, April 25th. This medal honors their WWI service in Palestine as well.

Jewish Legion 38th.chaplain

The three fighting units of the Jewish Legion are the 38th, 39th, and 40th, battalions of the Royal Fusiliers. R' Laib Aryeh Falk, chaplain to the Jewish Legion, wrote this letter on the 38th battalion stationery, to R' Kook with whom he had studied in Kovno. He welcomes R' Kook back to Palestine, as he had been stuck in England during the war years. The 38th was composed of British Jews, including Russian immigrants. R' Falk came with them from England.

Jewish Legion 39th Royal Fusiliers

Corporal Zerubavel Haviv received this postcard from his family in November 1918. He was serving with the 39th Royal Fusiliers, assigned at that time to the training camp in Egypt. He is with the Egyptian Expeditionary Forces of the British army. This battalion was recruited in Canada and made up of American and Canadian volunteers.

Harry Reisler Jewish Legionnaire

Reisler was among hundreds of Canadians and Americans who joined the British army to fight in the Jewish Legion. Here is his dog tag, royal fusiliers cap badge, Canadian service medal, and a diary in Yiddish. He wrote it on a book of Egyptian postcards (where he was stationed) dated 23 - 28 September 1918.

Reisler Dog tag

This is Harry Reisler's 'dog tag' (army I.D.). It looks hand made. It shows him to be a soldier in the 39th battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, # 5633. The six pointed star suggests a Jewish affiliation. Although stationed in Egypt, they did fight in the decisive 'Battle of Meggido' in September 1918.

Jewish Legion.40th Royal Fusiliers

The 40th battalion of the Royal Fusiliers was made up from the thousands of volunteers in Palestine. It included some Ottoman Jews who had been captured. Due to delays and training, they missed most of the war. This envelope from 'Levine & Gelerman' in Kovno arrived in January 1920.

Katz's medals fronts

Private A. Katz served in the Royal Fusiliers. He was awarded these medals for his service. He received the silver war medal for service overseas in a theater of war and the bronze Allied victory medal.

Katz's medals backs

Here we see the backs of those medals.

Katz.medal named on edge

The British custom of engraving the recipient's name on the edge of the medal enables us to know to whom it was awarded. These both read "J-5621 Pte. A. Katz.R.Fus.".

Medal edge

Here the name is clear.

Roster of Medal recipients

This roster lists the soldier and his units. From here we learn that he was in the 40th battalion of the Royal Fusiliers.

Jewish Legion medals

Jewish Legion.uniform & badges

These men are wearing the British uniform. Noteworthy is the patch on their shoulder - an embroidered Jewish star. They also wore the insignia of the Royal Fusiliers. David Ben Gurion, in the center, was a member of the 40th battalion.

Jewish Legion at prayer

This card was sent from the 14th Zionist Congress (Vienna 1925) to Kovno. It was likely printed in Vienna and made available to participants there. The caption reads "The Jewish Legion in the field during prayers on Shabbat". Soldiers are in their uniforms, standing respectfully, while two men chant/lead the service. The long box on the table likely held a traveling Torah Scroll.

First Judeans stationery

After the hostilities ended, the Jewish units were re-named the 'Judean Regiment - Hagedud Ha'ivri'. The battalions were 5000 strong but were soon demobilized, leaving only several hundred on active duty. The Jews called them 'The first Judeans'. Their symbol was a menorah under which read the word Kadima - Forward. Sent 18 August 1920.

First Judeans letter

The letter also carries the insignia of the First Judeans. Sargent Kahan, on active duty complains that soldiers are being demobilized, his comrades are leaving, and they can't re-enlist even though they are willing to. Part of the Jewish motivation for fighting was to develop a military for themselves. The British did their best to discourage that.

Volunteers medalet

Designed locally by the Bezalel Art Institute, this medal was presented to Jews joining the British forces in 1918. The front is a revision of the ancient Roman Judea Capta coin. Here Judea throws off her chains and the Roman runs. The legend reads 'Judea Liberates herself'. The back reads 'To the volunteers' and the date 1849. Its actually not a date but the number of years since the Roman conquest of the Land. In the center are 7 stars with Hebrew letters that stand for the 6 words of Shema.

Jewish Legion song book

This songbook was printed for the Americans who joined in 1918. Notice the date - 5678 - but also 1849. Like on the medalet, this number represents the number of years since Jews rose up in battle against the ancient Romans in the First Revolt.

J Legion and Haganah ribbons

Veterans of the Jewish Legion were entitled to wear the ribbon on the left, containing their miniature flag, which was eventually adopted by the State of Israel. The ribbon on the right is worn by veterans of the Haganah, which operated from 1920 until 1948, when it became Tzahal/IDF, the Israel Defense Force.

Aaronson and Feinberg.NILI

Sarah (1890-1917), along with her brothers and friends, organized a spy ring in Palestine to bring information to the British. It was named 'NILI' for the verse in Samuel I 15:29 Netzach Yisrael Lo Yishaker'. When her carrier pigeon with messages to the British was intercepted by the Ottomans, she took her own life. She is considered the first Zionist woman martyr to the cause. Avshalom Feinberg made contact with British intelligence. He was killed in the Sinai on his way home.

Safed ration ticket

World War One was very hard on the civilian population. They had to contend with opposing armies, often in their towns. Most of the non-pioneering population lived on donations from abroad, but those communities had their own war. There were extreme food shortages & deprivation. A relief committee in Vienna supplied basics to the Jews of Tzefat. This coupon was good for 2 'rotels' of flour in the summer of 1915.

Matzah ration card

This card entitled the bearer to buy one-half rotel of Matzah in the spring of 1915. The process was supervised by the Rabbinic distribution committee. The card is rubber- stamped by Dr. Moshe Wallach. He was head of Shaa'rei Tzedek hospital and well respected and trusted by the old-time religious community to manage this process fairly.

Suffering from the War

The Sephardic community in Tzefat sent an emissary to North Africa in 1919 to collect funds in the wake of the war. "No one can describe what we have experienced in the days of this terrible war...the orphans are countless, and so are the widows...refugees have lost everything...even earners can't buy their needs due to costly inflation...and who will support those who study Torah in poverty? We beg you to give twice the usual amount...". Signed by 5 rabbis and with 2 community seals.

EEF British Forces

To facilitate mail out of the country the British issued postage stamps for their forces. They read "EEF" for Egyptian Expeditionary Forces. These troops were gathered in 1916 to defend the Suez Canal. The following year, under General Allenby they played a larger role in fighting and defeating Turkish forces in Palestine. In 1918 the denominations were expanded to provide for a variety of mail services in the land.

EEF Military mail

This envelope was sent from Jerusalem to Port Tewfik Egypt on 19 December 1918. It makes use of the new EEF stamps. The postmark reads "OETA-EEF". "Occupied Enemy Territory Administration - Egyptian Expeditionary Force".

Locust Plague

If wartime conditions were not bad enough, a severe locust plague broke out in 1915. "The community is being destroyed every day... every minute vines, orchards, vegetable gardens, even houses, by the Locusts... Come out and help, join our crews...the council will provide room and board." Come, Work Save !!

Poster.Liberation Day.1918

Posted in the streets of Jerusalem: "Honoring the day of Liberation...All congregations should observe the 24th day of Kislev the day of Britain's conquest of Holy Jerusalem...Give thanks to G-d...recite the prayer for the welfare of King George the 5th, and praise General Allenby and Colonel Storrs."

San Remo Conference

In April 1920 the 4 major Allies, Britain France, Italy and Japan, met in San Remo to determine governance of former Turkish and German territories. They re-affirmed the Balfour declaration, supporting a Jewish homeland in Palestine, under a British 'Mandate' to govern the territory until it could stand alone. This medal commemorates the conference, showing a sage giving encouragement to a young pioneer. On the back "If I Forget Thee Oh Jerusalem.." and the Jewish date.

San Remo token

This token bears the date 5680 (=1920). Underneath we read in Hebrew "Year of Redemption". This must be a reference to the San Remo conference of that year, which confirmed the idea of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Above the date is a blessing: May the Merit of Jerusalem Protect You. The back shows a star of David and 'Sha-dai' , a protective name of G-d, inside.

59a.British badges

Zionism.WWI.Austrian forces.kotel

Shivath Zion

From Dec. 1914 to Sept. 1915 the Ottomans deported to Egypt over 11,000 residents who had non-Turkish citizenship. David Idelovitch, head of the Carmel oriental office there, assisted these refugees. this envelope was sent to his office under the name of his welfare effort 'Shivat Zion' (return to Zion). Dated 6 August 1918 and sent through the British army post office, registered, and censored.