VIRTUAL JEWISH MUSEUM

Israel Defends its Citizens

The tank corps, airforce and ground troops and their leaders are honored in Israel as they battle for the survival of the Jewish state.

UNEF.Gaza.1965

The United Nations Emergency Force was created in 1956 to oversee an orderly end to the Suez Crisis. With Egypt's permission, UN troops from numerous countries were stationed at the Canal and in Gaza. In May of 1967 the Egyptian government ordered all UN troops out of its territory, which opened the way for the June conflict. This envelope was stamped in Gaza, honoring the UNEF Indian troops there.

UN.Gaza.medal 1964-5

This medal was worn by UN troops that had served in Gaza. The removal of these troops in May 1967 was actually controversial because they had been authorized by the General Assembly of the UN but Secretary- General U Thant removed them with out consulting that body.

Egypt Expects War

Egypt issued this stamp 22 June 1967, after the 6 Day War. However stamps take months to design and produce so clearly this was planned BEFORE the war broke out. Claiming to offer 'Arab Solidarity for Palestine Defence' the envelope shows militant images, while the stamp has Israel in red flames. Remember that this was before Israel took control of the West Bank or Gaza, which were controlled by Jordan and Egypt respectively.

Sinai.conquered

On June 6, Israel launched a surprise air-force attack against the neighboring countries, destroying their planes while still on the ground. Then their ground forces advanced into the Sinai peninsula, engaging Egyptian forces deployed there. Israeli tanks destroyed the opposition, thousands of Egyptians died and thousands more surrendered. It was over in 3 days. This souvenir envelope is from a military post office in Gaza.

Gaza IDF Post office

This envelope was mailed in the IDF military post office in Gaza. this was the only mail service available to local residents. They weren't bothering with stamps but there is a Registered label in Hebrew Arabic and English, so it must have been something important.

Shabbat observance in the Army

These chits were used to obtain items from the army canteen on Shabbat. They were bought in advance. That way no money had to change hands for purchase. They are for soft drinks, wafers, and mint candy. One has been stamped with the unit number.

Sabbath in War

Sabbath observance is especially challenging when defending the country. This poster from Agudat Yisrael in June 1967 declares: "...Any work not required to securely save lives is a forbidden violation of the Sabbath even in these times. If unsure, consult a qualified rabbi."

POW.Address side

This is an official Red Cross POW letter sheet sent from the Rafah Refugee Camp to the prisoner in Atlit on 22 July 1967. It is addressed to Mahmoud Ismail from his father, brother and family. The Israeli Red Cross - actually Red Magen David - seal is seen at the upper right.

POW.Message.

"We are all fine and wish you with G-d's help to be together soon". Interestingly, there is a notation that the prisoner was freed on 26 July, only 4 days after the letter was sent. It probably didn't reach him in time.

Mail to Arab POW

Israel captured over 5000 Egyptian POWs in the Sinai battles. This envelope was mailed to one being held in 'Camp 393 Atlit'. It is from the city of Shubrakhit in the Nile Delta region, dated 20 November 1967.

Golan Heights.conquered

Since 1948, the Syrians constantly harassed Israeli border communities by firing artillery shells from their dominant positions on the Golan Heights. Shelling increased during this war and Israeli forces broke through mines, bunkers and artillery to conquer the area, losing over 100 men. 100,000 Syrians fled; by 1970 there were 12 Israeli settlements there. This envelope pictures the area and the IDF military administration's mobile postal service.

Syrian soldier ID

This is a Syrian military ID card. It pictures Ali Suleiman and gives his physical description, including blood type. He was born in 1945 and was likely a young recruit in the 1967 war. Some 2500 Syrians soldiers died in the Golan Heights battle with twice that number wounded.

Syrian Military ID

Another Syrian military ID card. His name is Mahmoud Sa'id Shahid and he was born in 1948. We see his photo, physical particulars, the Syrian coat of arms, and an elongated flag diagonally. 'Shahid' means 'martyr' and is often used to describe those who have given their lives for religious and ideological causes, including military expansion of Islam.

Syrian POW letter

Halil Abu Halil sent this letter from Damascus, Syria to POW Yusef Halil al-Tarshan, writing 'I believe he is a POW'. It was written on a Red Cross POW form actually showing the Red Crescent, an Islamic symbol. It is stamped 'authorized' by the Israeli censor, and also by the Magen David Adom. He writes: "We are all fine. We worry about you. We want news as soon as possible by sending a letter through the Red Crescent." Dated 8 July 1967.

Lebanon Prisoner Exchange

After the Lebanon war, prisoners were exchanged over the next 2 years. On 24 July 1982 pilot Gil Fogel's F-4 Phantom was downed by a Syrian missile and he was captured. On 28 June 1984 he was among 6 Israelis along with 5 bodies, exchanged for 312 Syrians and 73 bodies through the Red Cross & UN. Here he walks to freedom between 2 officials.

ID card.Rules for POW

This small I.D. card from the 1960s lists instructions in the event of capture: 1. Tell only name rank serial # and birthdate 2. Show this card 3. Your captor has no right to confiscate this card 4. No other information should be given. 7x 9.5 cm.

Israel Controls Jerusalem

Jordan positioned 45,000 troops on the border with Israel. After getting wildly misleading messages from Egypt, they attacked on June 5th. By the 7th, (28 Iyyar) Israel had conquered the entire area, including the old city. This army bulletin the next day announces the feat. It shows a map of the old city and describes standing at the Western Wall, the Kotel.

The Kotel is in Our hands!

This postcard shows the IDF troops at the Kotel, smiling and rejoicing. It was prepared in August, with a special Old City postmark quoting Isaiah 52:4 - "Announcing peace, good tidings, and salvation". The stamp was issued then too, honoring the Israeli forces.

An Emotional Moment

This souvenir envelope was prepared on the 30th anniversary of the battle. It shows the most iconic image of the whole war - 3 soldiers standing in reverence before the Kotel, full of emotion. Jordan had not permitted Jews to visit this place for 19 years! The stamp is from the 6 Day War set, and completes the idea.

Rav Goren at the Kotel

R' Shlomo Goren was Chief Rabbi of the army. A scholar who had studied this place, he later wrote an entire book about the Temple mount. He brought a Torah scroll to the Kotel and is famously pictured blowing a shofar there.

Free access to the Western Wall

"If I forget thee O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget (its dexterity)" states Psalm 137. This was the sentiment of Jews across the centuries, wherever they lived. On June 15th, the way was opened for citizens to visit the Wall, celebrated on this envelope.

Soldier at Kotel

The Wall attracts people from many backgrounds. One doesn't have to be 'religious' to appreciate its significance. This soldier, weapon on his back, reads prayers up close to the Wall. He doesn't have a Kippah, so he uses a simple cardboard one supplied on the spot.

Memorial medals.23,646 fallen

Israel has issued numerous medals to honor its fallen soldiers. There is never a any doubt about the sacrifices made to keep Israel safe. Some are earlier, the top one is specifically for Jerusalem. "They were swifter than eagles, mightier than lions" to fulfill their duties (from 2 Samuel 1:23). The number keeps rising....

6 Day War medal

Dated 5 - 11 June 1967 marking the 6 days of the War. One side shows emblems of the 12 tribes, representing all the Jewish people. The other side shows an old ship flying the Jewish flag, representing the immigration to the Land. Biblical verses from Isaiah and Jeremiah prophecy the Return to the Land. Base metal 40 mm.

Fallen Soldiers.silver.combined_edited

This medal honors fallen Israeli soldiers in brilliant white proof. Pure 999 silver 38 mm. Quoting Samuel II lament over the death of Saul and Jonathan. 'Honoring bereft families'.

Commemorative Coins

These coins celebrate the events. The top one pictures the Kotel and honors the IDF for its success. Below, Jerusalem is honored as finally being a united city. The reverse shows an image from an ancient Bar Kochba coin that pictured the Temple portal. Israel annexed the Old City in 1967, and officially declared it the united capital of the state in 1980.

Jerusalem United

The liberators before battle: "Take oath to us that Jerusalem shall never be returned to strangers". 7 June 1967. Bronze 60 mm. uniface. Elisha

Jordan claims Dome of Rock coin

Jordan's goal of incorporating Jerusalem into their kingdom after the war did not materialize. They have relinquished claims to the West Bank, but not the places holy to Islam, including the Temple Mount. This large silver coin from 1969 pictures King Hussein on the front and an idyllic old scene of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount on the back.

Arab visits Jordan

Although there were no diplomatic relations between Israel and Jordan after the war, Israel did permit traffic between the 2 countries, for trade and family visits, via the Adam and Allenby bridges. Salam b. Said b. Abdullah from Hevron crossed into Jordan in January 1969 and returned on February 5th. He paid the fee of 500 Fils, as the tax stamp shows.

Jordanian Girl Visits Hevron

There was also incoming traffic. Sabha b. Muhammad b. Ismail came from Jordan to visit in Hevron. She was authorized to stay from 14 - 25 December 1968. In addition to the travel permit, she presented a certificate of inoculation against smallpox, cholera and typhus. This is the inoculation certificate.

Jordanian Girl Visits Hevron

This is the travel pass.

37d.6 day.Arab girl visits Hevron.back

Student Visits Father

Yanis b. Mahmud b. Ahmad al-Talu was born in Jerusalem and is now a student in Aman Jordan. This pass permits him to visit his father in Jerusalem by way of Allenby bridge from 5 - 12 January 1972. He must reside in his father's home while in Jerusalem. It is stamped by the military commander on Ramallah. The pass was extended on the back and he left Jerusalem the same way, on 15 February 1972.

Bridge permit.student.back

The visit was authorized for 19 - 26 January 1972 and was extended into February. Departure was 15 February 1972.

Arab visits Across Bridges

This booklet describes the ongoing traffic between Israel and Jordan that Israel has permitted by way of two bridges: the Adam Bridge and the Allenby Bridge. The traffic was for trade and for family visits, even though at the time, peace between the countries was 25 years in the future. Currently all traffic uses the Allenby bridge, which is near Jericho.

Bridge traffic with Jordan

The folder describes this understanding with Jordan for humanitarian and trade visits.

Hebron Hajira pass

This is the pass of Shahada AlGabri dated 7 February 1969. He is a resident of Hevron travelling for 'Aliya Laregel', that is a religious pilgrimage. For a Moslem that is the trip to Mecca in Saudi Arabia that should be made a least once in a lifetime. Israel facilitated such trips with this pass. The trip is called Hajira. he returned on 9 March.

Hajira pass.description

Travel Hevron Hajira.map

6 day war medals

Numerous medals were issued commemorating the 6 Day War. Two of them shown here picture Israel as the David versus the much larger forces of the Arabs as Goliath. Generals Dayan and Rabin are honored. also Rabbi Goren, famously blowing a shofar and holding a sefer Torah at the Kotel.

Moshe Dayan

Dayan started defending Israel at age 14 when he joined the Haganah. He served Israel variously as commander, IDF chief of staff, and Defense Minister. He was regarded as brilliant and also reckless. Enormously popular, he became a symbol to the world of Israel's fighting spirit, eye-patch and all. He was honored seriously and also humorously.

Israel Defence force

These New Year's postcards were issued in the wake of the 6 Day War. They honor the tank corps, which was especially responsible for capturing the Sinai, and the air force, which used its first strike capabilities to disable the Egyptian, Syrian, Jordanian, and Iraqi air fields. Also the paratroopers who took control of the Old City of Jerusalem, under the leadership of General Uzi Narkis, who is shown.

The New Borders of Israel

This Haggadah for Passover was published for the Israeli army in 1968, the first Passover with enlarged borders. It was distributed by the Chief Rabbinate of the army, headed by Rabbi Goren. The text was adapted slightly to a 'Uniform Style' that both Sepharadim and Ashkenazim could use together. Most notable is the map on the cover showing all the territory under Israeli control at that time.

'Enemy occupied Jordan'

This envelope was mailed from England to 'Beit Sahur Jordan' in April 1969. Beit Sahur is actually in the West Bank, not Jordan, although Jordan had illegally occupied it from 1948 - 1967. But now it was under Israeli control. The letter was routed through Aman, Jordan which had no arrangement with Israel regarding mail delivery. So they stamped it 'Return to Sender - Delivery prevented by Enemy Occupation of Jordad (sic) Territory'.

Jordan's Changing Borders

The British removed Eastern Palestine from the Mandate and designated it 'TransJordan". It officially became a kingdom in 1946 as shown in the stamp on the left. In the 1948 war TransJordan occupied the West Bank and overprinted stamps 'Palestine' for use there. The 1952 stamp on the right shows a presence on both banks of the Jordan River, and the country is now known as 'Jordan'.

Jordan's Changing Borders II

In 1964, to mark the Arab Summit conference, Jordan issued a stamp showing Jordan, the West Bank, and Israel as all one country! Although they lost control of the West Bank in 1967, the red 1972 stamp still shows it as part of Jordan. But in 1988 they relinquished all claims, to the Palestinians and later stamps again show their western border at the Jordan River.

IDF Service Medals

Elyakim Itali received this medal for his service in the Artillery as Segan Mishne (סג"מ) - that is, Second Lieutenant/platoon leader. On the right, Yirmiyahu Eshed was a Segan Aluf (סא"ל) which is a Lieutenant Colonel and battalion commander in the general army. He served in the Beit Leham area in 1969.

Israel Stamps Banned

Israel was widely admired in Poland after the 6 Day War, but the Polish government, following the Soviet party line, was critical and started a wave of anti-Semitism. This piece of mail was refused because it bears an Israeli stamp honoring free passage through the Straits of Tiran. That was a major achievement of the war, but only because Egypt has closed it to Israeli shipping. Poland's excuse? - the Universal Postal Union bans stamps that glorify war.

Battle of Karama

After the War, the PLO made their bases in Jordan, continuing to raid Israel & the West Bank. In March 1968 they blew up a school bus. Israel attacked Arafat's main base in the town of Karameh on March 21. They destroyed the camp but met resistance from the PLO & the Jordanian army, losing about 30 soldiers some tanks & 2 planes. This Jordanian medal celebrated their achievements, calling this the 'Dignity War' as they inflicted casualties. The medal shows fighters & a crashing jet.

IDF Soldier on Active Duty

This Israeli soldier is on active duty as the imprint says on top. Below it reminds soldiers that the 'Secret of Success is Keeping Secrets'. The envelope went through the military mail system, no stamp needed, and the Army Post Office is # 2209. As with many armies, this is to keep soldier locations secret.

Yom Kippur War Egypt Victory

Egypt was severely depressed after the war. Anwar Sadat succeeded Nasser. He planned early on for a war of some limited gains, that would restore self-esteem. Syria joined & Russia armed both countries. Israel discounted reports of mobilization & decided not to strike pre-emptively. On October 6 Egyptian forces crossed the Suez canal & took positions in Sinai. Their 100,000 troops were opposed by 450 Israeli soldiers. Egypt celebrated with this stamp announcing the 'Spark of Liberation'.

Egypt Celebrates Victory

Egypt continued to celebrate their 'victory' for many years after. Their assault had begun on October 6 1973. That year it was the 10th of Ramadan, the Moslem holy month. It was also Yom Kippur. In the Arab world it is called the Ramadan war.

Battling Egypt and Syria

Over 30,000 Egyptian troops crossed the canal, and 850 tanks. The Israeli 'Bar Lev line' was overwhelmed. Egypt lost over 1000 men in the fighting. Israel too had heavy losses of 650 men. Fierce fighting ensued when Syria attacked. Each side was conscious of the strategic value of the Golan Heights and Mt. Hermon. Despite being out-manned, Israel prevailed. Israel lost 2600 soldiers in this war.

IDF Wartime News

"IDF continues to strike on both fronts while concentrating on the front of the (Suez) Canal". That's the headline of this IDF newsletter dated 18 October 1973. It was for the Northern Command, where Syria accepted a ceasefire on the 23rd. The news describes the battles that were fought the day before and the successes - tanks destroyed, planes shot down, etc. A stag is the symbol of the Northern Command. The title 'Machatz' means 'Force'.

U.S. Airlifts Supplies

Russia had supplied and re-supplied Egypt and Syria before and during the Y.K. war. Europe refused to help Israel. The U.S. began airlifts on October 14th. Armaments and planes were flown/shipped over. This medalet was given to the U.S. pilots who brought the materiel. It reads "In Appreciation, Minister of Defense, IDF Israel, Oct 73."

Active fighting in Sinai

These cards were written while fighting was still fierce. October 15th to Haifa: “Believe me until now I had not one minute to write...I’m working hard...I’ve seen a lot, the fighting is fierce…”. October 18th to Rosh Pina: “There’s no time, We’re very busy. Many sad things have happened. Let’s hope it starts getting better. Hope to see you soon”.

IDF Soldier Writes Home

The army supplied a wide variety of designed postcards for soldiers on active duty to send home, no stamp needed. Yakov Shapritz writes on October 18 - "I'm fine. We have a lot of work. I barely found time to write a few words. Shalom, See ya".

YK war.Active Duty

Ronen Yaron is on active duty in the war. His card notes 'On Active Duty', and 'Everything's fine with me'. He writes "My parents tell me you're very worried so I'm writing you. I want to calm you. I and the whole group feel great ... Our morale is high ... I assume you are volunteering somewhere that's taking all your time. See you soon".

Relaxing at the Suez Canal

Benzy Gilad wrote this re-assuring postcard on 24 October to the Yisraeli family in Tel Aviv. "Once again, regards from Benzy, who is relaxing on the bank of the (Suez) Canal." Israeli troops had already reached and crossed the canal by Oct. 16. The 2 sides met on the 28th in the Sinai to implement a cease-fire.

Prisoner Exchange Handbill

'Announcement to the government of Israel. For G-d's sake save our wounded and prisoner sons! Only with Actions, not justifications, words,sympathy ...But with Force for Force Fist for Fist Life for Life. The lives of the (Egyptian) 3rd army in exchange for our captives. 'Blessed is the releaser of captives'. The father of a missing pilot. (Israel had completely trapped the 3rd army in the Sinai.)

Israeli POWs

This postcard portraying Israeli POWs was part of a mail campaign to the U.N. to free them. It was mailed to Secretary General Kurt Waldheim in 1974. A prisoner exchange took place in June.

Prayer for POWs

The Y.K. War resulted in over 300 Israeli soldiers held by Egypt and Syria. Some murdered, others tortured. Rabbi Goren circulated this prayer on behalf of the 86 in Syria. "...May G-d mercifully preserve ... and release them and send full recovery to the wounded ...". They were finally released in June 1974.

Yom Kippur War.Israeli Ribbon

This is the campaign ribbon Israel issued to those who fought in the Yom Kippur war.

YK. Wounded Warriors

The medal on the right was presented to a soldier who was wounded in the Yom Kippur war. 9000 soldiers and civilians were wounded in the war. The button on the left was used to fund raise for crippled soldiers.

YK War.Commemorative Medals

After this war, too, a number of medals were issued. Themes include the soldier rushing from synagogue to grab his weapon and deploy, cooperation with American supplies, the Suez maneuver, and the role of the air force in stopping the Syrian army.

The Suez Maneuver

This medal shows Israel's success in Sinai. It honors the "Crossing Battalion", a corps of engineers which crossed over from east to west with armored troops. They fought in Egypt proper, cut supply lines and destroyed missile sights. "And the Jewish people crossed on dry land" alludes to an ancient crossing of the Red Sea, in the other direction!

Egypt's Victory Coin

Capitalizing on the limited achievements in the Sinai, Egypt issued this coin for the 'Ramadan War'. It shows an Egyptian soldier in the middle of the Suez Canal, with one hand on Egypt proper and a fist on the Israeli fortification in the Sinai Desert. Egypt would celebrate this 'victory' for years to come.

Suez Canal Blocked

15 ships were sailing in the Suez Canal when the 6 day war broke out. Egypt blocked the canal at both ends, with sunken ships and mines. Trapped crews developed a camaraderie and organized shared games and entertainment. Some created homemade stamps which Egypt accepted for postage. This envelope was stamped by 13 of the ships and mailed in August 1969 on board the Polish 'Boleslaw Bierut'. They were all freed when the canal re-opened in May 1975.

Re-opening of Suez Canal

Commemorating the re-opening of the Suez Canal, 8 years after its closing during the 6 Day War. Dated 5 June 1975. A soldier steps across the Canal into the Sinai Peninsula & plants an Egyptian flag in a broken Star of David. Above is the date 6 October 1973 and ‘Release From Occupation’. The front pictures a ship sailing through the Canal in front of the Administration Building, and honors president Anwar Sadat's achievements in global markets and transportation.

Egypt.Ramadan medal

Despite its losses, Egypt celebrated crossing in to the Sinai. They awarded this medal to their soldiers. We see a soldier, and behind him a tank, advancing into the Sinai Desert. The image is imposed on a broken outline of a Jewish star, barely visible at the ends, representing the 'defeated' Israel. The plate could have been inscribed. The little medallion in the center promises 'the Highest Paradise' to these soldiers, a quote from the Koran.

Joint Jordan-Iraq war medal

Jordanian forces joined Syrian and Iraqi assaults on Israeli positions on October 16 and October 19. This medal pictures King Hussein on the front, inscribed 'In commemoration of the Great Ramadan Battle 6th Ramdan 1393, 6 October 1973'. On the back the flags of Jordan & Iraq represent the attacks on Northern Israel.

Syria war medal

Syria issued this medal to its fighters in the 6th October War 1973. It shows Arab-controlled lands, with a break where Israel should be.

'I'm at Kav 101'

Disengagement talks took place on October 28, 1973, at Kilometer 101 between Egypt and Israel. Soldier Moshe Mishan writes to friends "...right now I'm in Africa at Kilometer 101 next to Egyptian and UN soldiers. We greet each other and play backgammon with them. Nearby, we hear the 2 sides firing at each other but it's only for show...I'll have much to tell you when I get home for Shabbat.' Talks led to Israel pulling back from land it occupied -'Land for Peace'. Syria refused to participate.

Yeshiva in Goshen !

The rubber stamp on the postcard reads 'Yeshivat Goshen - Fayed Egypt'. On the banks of the Suez canal, this was the location of the disengagement talks. R' Aryeh Bina opened a yeshiva here for soldiers of 'Hesder' (reminiscent of Yehudah in Egypt). Regular prayer & learning, attended by hundreds. Operated for 6 months until talks concluded. Also a coupon for the army store 'Shekem' there in Goshen.

Israel in Gaza

Israel 'occupied' Gaza after the war. This envelope was mailed to Gaza from Tel Aviv, unusually using tax stamps as postage, in May 1977. The postmark is normal but the receiving marks in Gaza and the Rafiah refugee camp are under IDF military control. It was returned to sender and marked 'addressee unknown'. Rafah Camp (as the Arabs call it) is 1 of 8 refugee camps in the Gaza Strip, established in 1949 and supported by the controversial UNRWA.

UNEF II.1973-9.Suez,Sinai

The United Nations Emergency Force II was was a multi-national force established by the UN after the war to supervise the ceasefire and redeployment of Egyptian and Israeli forces - that is, Resolution #340. It was extended until July 1979. The ribbon colors suggest the desert and the Suez Canal. Participants were issued this medal.

UNEF II Mail

1000 Canadians troops took part in this force, playing a major role. This envelope was mailed by one of them from Egypt back home to Canada in the late 1970s.

Sadat Visits Jerusalem

Sinai Ceasefire Observers

Silver medalet presented to ceasefire observers in the Sinai. These observers took over after Israeli forces withdrew from their Sinai positions. This mission kept the calm, stayed from 1975 - 1982, and contributed to the Egypt-Israel peace.

UNDORF.Golan

Israel and Syria agreed on a cease-fire in 1974 but there continued to be exchanges of fire. In May the UN established the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force to maintain the ceasefire and disengagement on the Golan Heights. Participants were issued this medal.

Golan disengagement

The disengagement lines of Israeli and Syrian forces, 29 May 1974. A U.N. observer zone in the center bordered demilitarized zones on the East (Syrian) and West (Israeli). Mail service was by a Moble Post truck.

UNDORF Mail

This envelope was created as a souvenir in 1977 with seals of the UN Disengagement Observer Force. The stamp is Austrian because Austrians made up part of the Force.

Operation Litani.Lebanon

Lebanon had fought in 1948 but abstained in 1967 & 1973. In 1978, in response to the Coastal Road Massacre of 38 civilians, & to stop the relentless shelling in the North, Israel invaded Lebanon up to the Litani River. They fought PLO terrorists who had been chased out of Jordan. Israel allied with the Christian Southern Lebanese Army and over 1000 Palestinians were killed & tens of thousands of Lebanese evacuated. The PLO moved north. This envelope was postmarked in a Christian village.

UNIFIL in Lebanon

The United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon is a peacekeeping and humanitarian force created in March 1978 to supervise Israeli withdrawal and assist the Lebanese government in restoring authority. They have suffered casualties in later conflict. Both sides accuse them of not being impartial. There are over 10,000 members deployed near the border with Israel. This envelope was mailed from there in 1981, using an Irish stamp for that contingent.

IDF postcard from Lebanon 1982

The UN orchestrated a cease-fire but some PLO factions continued their terror. In June 1982 the Israelis invaded again, in Operation Shalom Hagalil. They wanted to remove the PLO, stop Syrian interference and strengthen the Christian faction. with 60,000 troops, armored and navy support, Israel pushed back Syrian forces and laid siege to Beirut, the last PLO stronghold. The PLO were allowed to leave and 14,000 fighters left for neighboring countries. Arafat set up headquarters in Tunisia.

Lebanon.Medic ID

This I.D. card identifies Eitan Wertheim as a battle medic in the Israel Defense Force. It mentions that he is protected under the Geneva convention of 1949, to assist those wounded on the field of battle. Dated 15 October 1982. On the back is his photo, and physical description.

Guidance for Soldiers in IDF

This notice was issued by the Religious education department of the Army. It reads in part: "Tzahal finds itself in large sections of Lebanon. As you come in contact with the local population, this challenges you to maintain a humane, Jewish, and Tzahal posture. Looting is absolutely forbidden. Don't tamper with peaceful citizens and especially the women. Don't harm cultural and religious sites. War against a vicious enemy arouses strong feelings... Maintain your civility...".

70.war.Lebanon.flyer.image of Tzahal.back

"Israel hopes to make peace with an independent Lebanon. The quality of your first interactions with the population will determine the tone of future relations...The eyes of the world are upon our region. Many reporters are in the combat zone...Remember our moral principles." It ends with a quote from Joshua 7 which describes some looting after a battle and the suffering it brought to the Jewish people. Dated June 1982.

Lebanon.Chabad

This issue of a Chabad Youth weekly magazine from Tisha B'Av week 1982 describes activity in Lebanon. The caption on top reads 'Talmud Torah School in Sidon Re-opened'. Inside there is a decades old picture of the last class of that school. We see Chabad Hasidic members putting Tefillin on soldiers serving in Lebanon.

Lebanon Campaign Ribbon.1983

This campaign ribbon was awarded to Leon Shvartz in 1983 for service in Lebanon. 415 Israeli soldiers lost their lives in the various Lebanon conflicts, with some 10,000 wounded.

50a.6 day.West Bank on Jordan stamps

Commemorative war medals

Numerous medals were issued commemorating the 6 Day War. Two of them shown here picture Israel as the David versus the much larger forces of the Arabs as Goliath.