VIRTUAL JEWISH MUSEUM

1948 war icon

Declaring Statehood

The British Mandatory government left Palestine on Friday, May 14, 1948. That afternoon all available leaders of the Yishuv gathered in the Tel Aviv museum. Ben Gurion read the Scroll of the Establishment of the State of Israel. Amid the tension due to ongoing and anticipated fighting, Jews broke out in song and dance. This New Year's card pictures the event.

Telegram May 14 Weizmann

Chaim Weizmann was in New York. When the news reached America, Albert Epstein, a religious Zionist and chemist, sent this telegram to him from Chicago. Using English letters, it reads in Hebrew "Long Live the State of Israel. Blessed is G-d who has sustained us to see this day." It is dated 1948 May 14.

Weizmann honors Truman

Eleven minutes after Israel declared independence, US President Harry Truman announced recognition of the new country. Dr. Weizmann traveled to the White House on May 25, 1948, and gave President Truman a Torah Scroll as a gesture of gratitude from the People of Israel. This commemorative medal reproduces the memorable photo of that event.

State Stamps.Doar Ivri

Stamps had been prepared in advance for the inauguration of the state. But they hadn't yet decided on the name. So these first stamps of Israel say "Doar Ivri" meaning Hebrew (Jewish) Mail". Since Shabbat was starting Friday evening, and there would be no service on Saturday, the first day of issue for these stamps is Sunday, 7th of Iyyar, May 16th. The designs show coins from the previous (ancient) Jewish government of Israel, 1878 years before !

Name of the State.stamps

It took several months to design, approve, engrave, and print the postage stamps. There were numerous suggestions for the name of the new country. Some of them were actually printed up as samples for committee approval. Here we see stamps that read "Eretz Yisrael" (Land of Israel) and "Yehudah" (Judea). Interestingly, there seemed to be agreement that the design would be ancient Jewish coins from the time of the Second Temple.

May 15 cancellation

National Identity Card

Like numerous European and Asian countries, Israel instituted a national identity card. this one was issued to Nahum Tal. the cover reads 'State of Israel, Ministry of the Interior, Identity Folder'.

National Identity Card.particulars

This page gives Mr. Tal's name, father's name, place of issue, I.D. number, and signatures of officials. The rubber stamp on the inside cover shows he has registered to vote.

National I.D.details

Here we see a photo, stamped by the Ministry of Interior. Also his permanent address, gender, marital status, birthplace (Russia), birthdate (1891), national identity (Jewish), and occupation (teacher). Although he is listed as married, there are no children mentioned in the space on the following page.

Israeli Passport

Another expression of independence was the issuing of passports for its citizens. This one was issued to Fradl Mais in 1959. It bears visas for France and the USA. Interestingly, all of the Hebrew is translated into French, not English. French had been the international language, especially in the Middle East, for at least 100 years. It may also have been an expression of disdain for the British, who had so recently caused the Yishuv much grief.

Arab Armies Attack

The departure of the British and the declaration of Israel prompted Arab neighbors to invade. They wanted to control land, prevent Israel from establishing itself, and perhaps help the local 'Palestinian' Arabs. Egypt attacked Jewish settlements in the northern Negev. This stamp, complete with date, map, and troops, commemorates the attack.

Egypt.Khan Yunis

Egyptian forces came from the Sinai peninsula and marched up through Gaza. This envelope was mailed from Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza strip, one of their first stops on the drive north. Notice that the stamps are Egyptian but have been overprinted in Arabic and English/French with the word 'Palestine'. The envelope was sent to a neighborhood in Alexandria, Egypt.

Egypt.Majdal / Ascalon

The next city moving north was El Majdal, known today as Ashkelon. This envelope was mailed from there to Cairo on June 1st, also using Egyptian stamps overprinted 'Palestine'.

Majdal.Ashkelon.Mandate

This envelope was mailed from Majdal / Ascalon in 1937 under the British Mandate, when it was an Arab village. It was conquered by Israeli forces on 5 November 1948, by which time most of the Arab population had fled. The Jewish inhabitants chose the name Ashkelon.

Egypt.Isdud

Pushing further north, on May 29th the Egyptian forces reached Isdud, from where this envelope was mailed to Cairo. This Arab village became the Egyptians' northernmost position during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. They retreated in October and most of the townspeople fled. In 1956, Israel established the city of Ashdod here, which today is the 6th largest in the country.

Ashdod souvenir cover

In 1956, Israel established the city of Ashdod here, which today is the 6th largest in the country. This envelope, postmarked November 11, 1966, marks the 10th anniversary of its founding.

Egypt.Faluga

Some Egyptian forces moved East, occupying Faluga, from where this envelope was mailed on June 1, 1948. Similar Egyptian stamps, overprinted Palestine, were used.

Egypt.Beit Lehem

Egyptian forces eventually reached as far as Hebron and Beit Lehem. They effectively cut off the south part of the country, the Negev, from the north. This envelope was mailed from 'Beth Lahem' on 10 June 1948 to Egypt, using their overprinted stamps.

Negev.Haganah

This is a Haganah military envelope. It was sent registered on May 9th by 'special courier' as the rubber stamp in the bottom right says. It was directed to Haganah Headquarters in the Negev.

Drafting women

Women had served in the Haganah and in WWII, mostly as medics, communications specialists, and in 1948 as drivers secretaries and cooks. Israel's official policy is that women are drafted. The religious parties strenuously objected, as reflected in this handbill from the Hapoel Hamizrachi. "We will fight against conscription for women". Alternatives include National Service or opting out for religious reasons.

Negev cut off

As of June 11th, the Negev was cut off from the rest of the country. That lasted until October 20th. During this period mail could only travel by airplane. This envelope, marked 'National Security Forces' in Hebrew abbreviation, was mailed on October 16th. The sender was a female soldier who gave her army I.D. number and military post number as her return address. As she was on active duty, no stamp was required.

Galil cut off.Nahariya

Palestinian Arabs had not waited for May 14th. They began to riot and fight the day after the UN Partition resolution. This Civil War phase became a larger conflict when surrounding countries sent in armies after May 14th. Nahariya in the Western Galilee was cut off from Haifa by the Arabs on March 17, 1948. A motor launch service carried mail to and from Haifa to communicate with the town. Crude stencils were made to print a special postage slogan: "The Detached Western Gallil".

Rishon LeZion Isolated

On April 5th Arab forces took control of the road to Tel Aviv, cutting Rishon LeTziyon off. An armored and armed truck was employed to connect with Tel Aviv. The driver used a different route every day for his trips. Special stamps, picturing an armored car were used on mail until the middle of May, when the standard 'Minhelet Ha'am' system was adopted.

Tzefat Isolated

Tzefat (Safed) in the Eastern Galil was abandoned by the British on April 16. That left 1500 Jews at the mercy of over 10,000 Arabs, some of whom attacked that night. Palmach troops reinforced the Jewish fighters and most of the town eventually fled in fear. From the end of April until May 19th, a local stamp was used, printed on the linings of envelopes.

Palmach Defends Tzefat

When the British withdrew from Safed the Palmach was ready to defend the Jews who were besieged in the Jewish quarter. They first attacked on May 6, but were not successful since the Arabs brought in reinforcements and artillery. On May 9th, Haganah launched a mortar barrage on key sites in Safed. It took until the 11th with bitter fighting to take control of the area. As many as 10,000 Arabs fled town at this time. This envelope was carried by courier to the commander of Area 2 on May 7th.

Haganah.Tzefat

Tzefat / mSafed was fought over bitterly for months. The Haganah worked to organize the community, communications, and defense. In April of 1948 the Arabs suddenly left. This envelope was sent by courier locally to 'Area B' on May 7th.

Mishmar Hayarden captured

Mishmar Hayarden, a moshava founded in 1890, was captured and destroyed by the Syrian army on June 10th. It was not far from the Jordan river and Golan Heights. 14 defenders were killed and over 20 taken prisoner. Its residents were part of the Beitar movement. The land was returned to Israel after the cease fire with Syria 20 July 1949. A moshav was later built on the site. This card was mailed to a member of the Beitar group there in 1939.

Haganah Mail

The Haganah organized its own postal service between December 1947 and May 15th 1948. The envelopes were carried by messengers/couriers to their destination. This one is stamped with the circular Haganah stamp which reads "Commander of the City, Tel Aviv". It is addressed to the unit commander in Bat Yam and dated 7 April (1948).

Haifa.Haganah

The 'Haifa Oil Refinery Massacre' on 30 Dec 1947 involved explosive attacks on Arab workers, followed by Arab riots and killings of Jews, followed by a Haganah attack on the workers' village. All this in the wake of the UN partition decision a few weeks earlier. This envelope was sent by haganah courier from the Tel Aviv commander to the Haifa commander on 9 March 1948. We see the imprint of the Haifa command on the back.

Haganah.Tiberias

In April 1948 shooting broke out between Jewish and Arab neighborhoods. the Haganah attacked the city. On April 18 the British evacuated the 6,000 Arab residents of the town. The areas was also the scene of battles between the Haganah and the Syrian army. This envelope was sent locally by courier on March 12,

Haganah Medal

The ‘Organization of Haganah Members’ issued this medal to those who had served in its ranks. The front reads ’1920—1948’ (the years it was active) and the name and symbol. The back reads ’Organization of Haganah Members / In Appreciation for your Service in the Haganah / in Petach Tikvah’.

Jerusalem Under Siege

Jerusalem was a major prize in the war and both sides struggled to control it. The city was dependent on transportation to bring in most supplies. Access to the Jewish areas was by a single road through the hills. The Arabs controlled the road, cutting off communication and laying siege to the city. Trying to maintain communication after the British closed their postal service, Jerusalem employed these JNF labels, overstamped 'Post', beginning May 9th when this one was mailed.

Jerusalem Food Rations

The siege prevented food supplies from reaching Jerusalem. Soon, food had to be rationed. The Community Council of Meah Shearim issued this note entitling the bearer to 'Only one portion of soup' and 'Only one portion of bread'.

Jerusalem water ration ticket water

This ticket entitled the bearer to one portion of water per day for an entire month. We see that the first 20 days were used. The holder, Leah Wachs, lived alone in Rechavia.

Jerusalem.Gasoline Ration

This ration ticket enables Sarah Frankenschall (?) to claim her allotment of benzine, which would most likely be used to fuel a home heater. There are 24 coupons of which 4 have been used. It is issued by the 'Committee for the Situation' alongside the Committee of the Jewish community Jerusalem. In the background we can read 'Everyone gets their allotted amount. Don't support the black market'.

Jerusalem.local mail.May 14

May 14th was Independence day. This envelope was mailed locally in Jerusalem, with a JNF overprinted label. The date was added with an office date stamper: 14 May 1948.

Latrun.Operation Bin Nun

Numerous attempts were made to break the blockade. The Haganah's Palmach force made two attempts, code named Operation Bin Nun A & B. This letter of authorization states that Pinhas Mimbar was wounded fighting at Latrun (A) on January 25th. He has not yet received his service documents.

Latrun.Lost soldier

"The bearer of this note, Chaim Tishler, ... is searching for his son Shalom Tishler who is missing in action these 5 weeks... Anyone who can help him...". In fact Shalom fell heroically at Latrun A while covering his platoon's retreat. He was one of 168 soldiers who died in the effort to open the road to Jerusalem. This note was written 3 weeks later. His remains were buried a year and half later.

Burma Road Courier cover.7 June

To get around the blockade, a crude 'road' was fashioned over hills and through brush and steep inclines. (It was nicknamed Burma Road after a supply road the British had built in China.) Some jeeps succeeded in getting through with important supplies, and some letters carried as well. This one was carried by such a 'courier' on June 7th to Tel Aviv, where stamps were applied and it was forwarded.

Burma Road.Courier Envelope

This courier cover was mailed in Jerusalem (as the return address shows) and taken by courier to Tel Aviv. The JNF label was used, but when it reached Tel Aviv, the postal clerk was not sure how to handle it so he placed the cancellation on the envelope next to the stamp, not on it. The cancellation date reads 16 June 1948. The regular road is still not open.

First convoy

There was an armistice on June 11. During the cease-fire, Arabs were persuaded to allow humanitarian shipments into Jerusalem. Convoys of trucks with supplies crawled up the Burma Road, subject to UN inspection for weapons. On their return trip, they took outgoing mail that had been accumulating since May 9th. The date stamp on the front of the envelope reads 20 May while the Tel Aviv cancellation on the back reads 18 June, the date of the first convoy.

Second convoy

A second convoy of supplies was permitted on June 21st. They too brought back mail to Tel Aviv and elsewhere. This envelope bears a fancy Jerusalem cancel dated May 16, the first day of postal service in the new state. Of course none of the new stamps had arrived. It sat with many others until taken by the 2nd convoy on June 21 to Tel Aviv. There it was stamped on the back to show when it arrived.

'Burma Road' photo

An actual real time photo of a convoy using the' Burma road' to bring supplies to Jerusalem in June 1948. The back identifies it as a J.N.F. file photo. It is also stamped as 'Authorized by the military censor for Jerusalem newspapers'.

Road to Jerusalem

Above the road to Jerusalem, today, a monument of shattered beams reminds us of the fight to open this road. Numerous armored vehicles that tried to get through were stopped and destroyed. Their ruined shells can be seen on the side of the road to this day. This commemorative stamp and envelope picture the two monuments.

Hadassah hospital isolated

Mount Scopus in East Jerusalem is beyond the walls of the Old City. It held the (old) Hebrew University campus and Hadassah Hospital. Attacks on the site & on traffic to it started right after November 29th. Ambulances and doctors were not immune and on March 13th, 78 were slaughtered on the way. Later the area was demilitarized & stayed that way until 1947. This letter dated 17 June at Hadassah describes how they are under siege but are in good health.

Mail from Hadassah Mt. Scopus

Some mail reached Mt. Scopus from the outside world, probably carried in by Red Cross visitors. This envelope and letter are addressed to Devorah Cohen, Nursing School, Hadassah box 499 Jerusalem. It is postmarked jerusalem 2 march 1948. this was a few weeks before the massacre of doctors nurses and officials that was perpetrated in April. Devorah's grandfather wrote 'Soon there will be totalrecruitment...Sacrifices... there's no meat, few vegetables... and this is only the beginning...'.

Jerusalem.military rule

During the fighting, Jerusalem was under military rule. There were skirmishes at the borders of the city and civilian movement was restricted. This permit issued to Yitzchak Goldberg on December 5, 1948 allowed him into the Talpiyot neighborhood to gather some belongings. It was issued by the Military Authority, Area of Capture, Southern Jerusalem, and stamped by the Haganah commander.

Palmach Jerusalem

Palmach was Israel's elite strike force. The Harel brigade of the Palmach had 1400 fighters. They were charged with defending Jerusalem. Their first commander was Yitzhak Rabin. They defended the north and the south of the city and also the road to it. 274 men and women died in the fighting. This commemorative medal honored them on the 20th anniversary, 1948-1968.

Palmach Jerusalem

This Haganah envelope was sent through their private courier system. It comes from 'City Commander - Jerusalem' and is addressed to 'Commander of 6th Brigade - Palmach'. Recorded and sent on 2 May 1948.

The Fall of the Old City

Some 2000 Jewish civilians remained in the Old City when Arab attacks began. They were in no position to resist. A small Haganah force defended valiantly but succumbed to the Arab Legion on May 28th. Civilians were evacuated to the west and fighters were taken POW. This envelope bears a special Old City postmark of 5 Iyyar/May 14. Civilians took it with them to West Jerusalem. The following February it was re-used to send a letter to Haifa.

Battle for Katamon

Katamon was an upper class Arab Christian neighborhood. It became the focus of fighting in the defense of Jerusalem at the end of April 1948. Much life was lost on both sides before Israelis captured the San Simon monastery. Most Arab families fled. This medalet was awarded to defenders for a short while, then withdrawn. It is the only Israeli battle medal of the war.

Female soldiers

Chava Weiss wrote to Yaffa Spitzer on 27 September 1948, in Hungarian. They are both soldiers in the Palmach. We know where they were by the Army Post Office numbers. Chava's unit was in the north for rest and training, before returning to fierce fighting in the Negev. Yaffa was with the Harel brigade of Palmach near Jerusalem. The letter is chatty.

Kochot Bitachon

Mailed from Bulgaria on September 27, this envelope is addressed to Matilde Pilossof. She is located at a hospital and perhaps is a nurse, even a military nurse, serving there. The envelope is addressed to an Army Post office, to "The Country's Defense Forces, State of Israel", and then, just to be clear, 'Palestine'.

Fallen Soldier. Palmach

Avraham Furstenburg volunteered for the Palmach in October 1947 & was involved in numerous actions of defense. He was part of the Yiftah brigade that fought over the village Malkiyya on the Lebanese border. The village traded hands several times . On May 15th Avraham was killed. This silver plaque Shows the Palmach insignia above. Below, his name is engraved along with the day he fell. "His comrades stand at attention, & continue in his way". The Palmach lost 1,187 members in the war.

A Holy Parchment

Yehezkel Akerman was born in Peru but grew up in Palestine. He received teacher & agricultural training, and joined the war effort as a tractor operator. On 19 July he was part of a relief unit helping the beleaguered Mishmar Hayarden when he died in an accident. This letter of condolence is written on Parchment that is scored like a Mezuzah, and hand lettered by a Sofer! It is signed by David Ben Gurion, prime minister. It feels like you're holding something Holy.

Fallen soldiers family

Each year the Defense Department sends letters to families of fallen soldiers. This special envelope shows soldiers at attention in the military cemetery. It is dated 4th of Iyyar (Israeli Memorial Day) in 1953.

Fallen soldiers family letter

The printed letter inside expresses the appreciation of the State for the sacrifice made by these soldiers and their families. They died in holiness to protect our people. They are an example for the youth of the country. It is signed in print by then president Yitzchak Ben Zvi.

Scenes of battle

These stamps commemorate battle sites around the country. Metzudat Yesha in the Galil had a British fort given to the Arabs. 28 men fell fighting to control it. Kastel overlooked the Jerusalem highway. It was named for its Crusader ruins. It changed hands several times before the Haganah prevailed. Kibbutz Yad Mordecahi south of Ashkelon slowed the Egyptian advance. Deganya near the Kinneret stopped the Syrian advance. Tzefat was a mixed city until the Haganah was able to control it.

Israeli POW Masuot Yitzchak

Jordan captured 673 prisoners in the war. Over half of them had lived in the Old City. They also captured the 4 settlements of the Etzyon block, including Masuot Yitzchak to where this envelope is addressed. Prisoner exchanges were completed in March 1949.

Israeli POWJordan Mafraq

Jordan transferred its POWs to a camp near the city of Mafraq. David Darmon's family in Tiberias sent him this letter to that location. It shows markings from the Jordanian censor, the Red Cross and the Israeli censor.

Kibbutz Revadim Captured

Revadim was founded in 1947 as the 4th settlement of the Etzyon Bloc in the Hebron Hills, affiliated with Hashomer Hatza’ir. The young settlers participated in the bloc's heroic defense & suffered grave losses. On May 13, 1948, their village fell and was totally destroyed. Survivors were taken to Jordan as prisoners of war. Menahem Gitlich is such a prisoner, writing to Maty Richter from the Arab Legion’s POW camp on 17 January 1949. We see Arab the censor & Red Cross marks.

POW Bible/Tanach

David Darmon was held in the Jordanian POW camp 'Um Al-Jamal'. It is near Mafrak. He had this pocket Tanach with him and recorded the date: 28 September 1948. It had opened in May, right after the fall of the Etzion bloc. They were freed in February-March 1949.

Jordanian POW and Iraq

Israel held 17 Jordanian POWs. This one, Tewfik Salim Umer, received this letter from Jordan bearing Transjordanian stamps. Interestingly, the left stamp is overprinted 'Palestine', indicating Jordan's intention to hold on to at least part of the country. The black cancellation on the back is from Iraqi censorship, demonstrating that Iraq was a combatant in the war, even though they are not a neighboring country.

War medal.Jordan

Jordan awarded this medal starting 1946, for High Gallantry in combat. It is silver-plated bronze, picturing 'Abdullah ibn al-Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan'. The reverse pictures the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, which Jordan held onto until 1967. Jordan had over 10,000 soldiers in the war.

War medal.Jordan

Jordanian War Medal

This is the Jordanian War Service medal. The sword side is the symbol of the Arab Legion. Above reads Abdullah son of Hussein, below the dates 1367/1948. The map side shows the Jordan river valley with a border including the West Bank and notably the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

War medal.Iraq

Iraq sent 18 thousand troops into the battle. They were active in the north, hoping to cross at Israel's narrowest part, capture Haifa, and protect their oil pipeline. They inflicted some damage but became defensive in the face of opposition. This graphic medal pictures The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem and reads "We will return".

British POW !

When the British left Palestine, some officers and soldiers remained, mostly to help Jordan's Arab Legion. A few fell into Israeli hands & were held as POWs. All were released but some remained in Israel to avoid prosecution as deserters. Smethurst was held in camp 1 west of Herzliya which functioned from May '48 until April '49. This envelope mailed to him from England 14 November 1948 is remarkable evidence of British sympathy for the Arab cause.

Jewish POW.Syria

Syria captured 48 Israelis, mostly from kibbutz Mishmar Hayarden. Eliyahu Imdorf sent this envelope to his family in kibbutz Neve Yam. It passed through Syrian censorship, the Palestine Red Cross, to the Israeli liaison, to the Israeli military post. Prisoners were exchanged in August 1949.

Syrian POW

Israel held 57 Syrian POWs. Yosef Issa alSheich Mahamud at the 'Central POW Camp #791', received this envelope from a relative in Syria who describes himself as 'a refugee from...Haifa'. 8 different impressions mark the journey from Syria to Israel. Syrian censors opened the envelope and then re-sealed it with green tape.

Syrian War Medal

This is the Syrian 'Order of the Palestine Campaign', awarded for valor and service in the conflict with Israel. The map in the center shows Palestine and is shaped like a sword blade. On either side are the dates. Above is apparently a simple church, with a cross on the roof, perhaps in deference to Arab Christians. Looming large over it is a dome topped by a crescent, symbolizing Moslem dominance.

Lebanese POW

Lebanon, even less well-equipped than the other Arab armies, took minimal part in the conflict. They were involved in some border skirmishes, with fatalities. Israel held 36 POWs including Naif Habib Ibrahim from Kfar Yasif Akko district'. Next to the stamp is a tax label overprinted 'save Palestine' that was required at this time to raise money for the Arab war effort. Prisoners were exchanged on 24 March 1949.

Jewish POW.Egypt

Egypt captured 156 Israeli fighters, from their campaigns at kibbutz Yad Mordechai, Nizanim, and Kefar Darom. Jack Hasten, no. 106, writes from there to his family in Tel Aviv. Prisoners were exchanged in March 1949.

Israeli POW Egypt

Zeev Klein received this envelope while a POW in Egypt.

Egyptian POW

Israel held 1,098 Egyptian POWs. Postmarked in Cairo 29 Dec 1948. Addressed to 'Ali Abd AlKarim Muhammad Aseid, Palestine Red Cross, Central POW camp'. Markings include Cairo, Egyptian outpost in Sinai, Arab censor, Red Cross, and Israel censors. Prisoners were exchanged in March 1949.

Egyptian War Medal

The Egyptians fielded over 6000 soldiers & had an air force as well. Their forces reached north of Ashdod and as far east as Hebron. Their early successes eventually met with solid resistance. Egypt issued this 'Palestine Medal' showing king Farouk, the Dome of the Rock & a Cairo mosque. On the back, soldiers represent the Army, Navy and air force. Below them, refugees are running from a burning town. Dated 1367/1948.

Hebron.Palestinian POW

Local Palestinian Arabs were the initial attackers in the war; many were killed & thousands were captured. This envelope was sent on December 10th by Mahmoud Hejazie in Hebron to Abdullah Hejazie who is held at POW Camp 1 in Jerusalem. It was delivered through the Red Cross, and censored by Israel. Notice that the stamp is Egyptian with a 'Palestine' overprint. The Egyptians expected to control this area if they won the war.

Gaza Palestinian POW

This Palestinian POW is receiving his mail from Gaza. It was mailed 16 June 1949 to Jerusalem, via the Red Cross. We see Egyptian and Israeli censor marks. The last prisoner exchanges took place in July.

Deir Yassin

The village of Deir Yassin was strategically situated near Jerusalem's highway. Irgun fighters attacked on April 9th. An escape route was available to civilians and they helped some evacuate. But fierce fighting took a toll & over 100 Arabs were killed. Later they would claim that the Irgun massacred civilians & women - some Arabs fighters were found dressed as women! The Jewish Agency believed that story & apologized to Jordan. Many Arab countries commemorated the 'massacre' with stamps.

Arab refugee fled Akko

Many Arab residents fled the country out of fear, or difficult conditions. Wild stories of massacres and also Arab declarations of making room for the conquest contributed. They became the Arab Refugees. This letter was sent from Egypt to Paz al Hakim in Akko but, as the marking notes, the 'Addressee has Departed". Censored by the IDF.

Beit Dajan

Beit Dajan is a Palestinian village in the West Bank. On the eve of the '48 War it had some 500 residents. Muhammad Abdel Asur is a POW held in Israeli camp #1. He wrote home to his family at Beit Dajan in July 1948. However they must have fled as the pencil note in English reads "There are no more Arabs at Beit Dajan". 'I am in good health ... regards ... Peace be unto you'. The village was repopulated by Arabs after the war.

Judea Liberata medals

It took 10 years for Israel to issue a medal celebrating its independence. They took the theme of the ancient Roman 'Judea Capta' coin of conquest and contrasted it with the modern independent Israel which they described as 'Judea Liberata' - The Jewish State has been freed. These two versions of the popular medal treat the designs slightly differently.

Arab refugees.Zarkaa camp - Copy

Arab refugee Zarqa camp front - Copy

Etzel Handbill.'Unite Jewish Forces'.

The Irgun continued to function politically. This handbill shows their symbol, of 'Greater Israel' and the rifle needed to free it. 'We call on the nation and its youth.We must unite - all should stand together ...We extend a hand, even to our opponents. This is a dangerous time...Let's join together to protect the nation and free the homeland. Winter 1948.

Altalena Affair

On June 1, the Irgun agreed to be absorbed by the IDF. And they agreed to not act independently including arms purchase. Meanwhile, Betar in Europe had bought and loaded a ship in May, the Altalena. They sailed for Tel Aviv. Throug miscommunication and stubbornness on both sides, Ben gurion ordered confiscating the ship. On 20 June 1948 it landed. Fighting ensued, the ship was shelled, people died on both sides.

Altalena.b

This special 8 page newspaper is dated 15 July 1948. Itmpictures the government firing upon the ship. all aboard abandoned ship and were rescued from the water. This ppage argues against the government's position.

Altalena.c

Abrasha (Avraham) Stavsky was a well-known activist in the Betar movement. He died on the Altalena.

Altalena.f - Copy

Altalena.e

Photos of officials speaking with wounded from the Altalena.

Altalena g

Several well-known personalities were arrested including Hillel Kook ('Peter Bergson'). Who Won? The government will not be forgiven for the killing, for the destruction of vital ammunition, for passengers floundering in the Sea.

Altalena.h

Students punished for saluting the efforts of Etzel/Irgun. Poem in onor of the Altalena.

Altalena.i

Betar survivors encamped in Israel.