The first Hebrew publication of the text of “The Jewish State” by Theodor Herzl, which appeared in a sequence of Ha-Tzefirah issues two weeks before the book was published. Issues 11–24, from January 12 to January 28, 1896 – parallel to the publication of excerpts from the manuscript in the Jewish Chronicle in London on January 17.
In January 1896, about a month before the first publication of Theodor Herzl’s book “The Jewish State”, which was released in German in Vienna (February 1896), the newspaper Ha-Tzefirah published the first Hebrew translation of selected chapters from the manuscript. This publication in Ha-Tzefirah is in fact the first appearance of Herzlian Zionist thought before a Hebrew-speaking audience, preceding the full book’s appearance in its German version. Some believe that Nahum Sokolow was the one who translated the excerpts presented here into Hebrew. In the Ha-Tzefirah issues, the excerpts were published under the title: “The Solution to the Jewish Question.” In the first issue, the newspaper’s editor prefaces the text by stating that, although opinions are divided regarding Herzl’s vision, the paper chose to present his words in full due to Herzl’s significance: “Dr. Herzl is a prominent and renowned writer in Viennese journalism. He has never been among the dreamers, but among the men of action, and his pen is firmly planted in the garden of the Neue Freie Presse of Vienna, where he is considered one of the leading voices on matters of state and economics.” Herzl himself wrote a foreword to the excerpts published in the paper, stating: “At the request of those who turn to me and ask that I express my opinion in this journal in a few articles, I shall attempt to do so, although it is possible that some readers will misunderstand my words, for I cannot explain all of my ideas in depth in a brief article… I know our way and our habit of mocking one another… Therefore, I direct my initial words to the Jews who are free and strong in spirit. Let them be the first to listen to my words … We Jews have dreamed this dream throughout the long night of the Middle Ages. Now the dawn has broken, and we must only wipe the sleep from our eyes and turn this dream into a proper reality… Although I am neither a prophet nor a visionary, I readily admit that I hope—and my heart is almost confident and assured—that the people of Israel will return to the stronghold and become a people in their land and in their state…”.
In his book “The Jewish State, ” Herzl outlines his vision for a productive Jewish state. He describes in great detail how he envisions the future Jewish state, even addressing matters such as the working hours that would be customary there. The manuscript, which was later published as a book, was released in Vienna and Leipzig by M. Breitenstein on February 14, 1896, about two weeks after it appeared in segments in the Ha-Tzefirah journal presented here, and approximately a year and a half before the convening of the First Zionist Congress. Upon its publication, the book caused an immense stir. Most public figures—Jews and non-Jews alike—dismissed it as nonsense, and many harshly criticized it. “No one in Vienna, ” claimed the writer Stefan Zweig, “was ever ridiculed as much as Herzl.” Yet there were also voices who understood what others did not. One of the few writers who supported Herzl was Richard Beer-Hofmann, who wrote to him: “At last, here is a man who carries Judaism not as a burden or a calamity to be passively endured, but as a legitimate heir to an ancient culture.”
13 consecutive issues, fragile paper. Small tears and minor loss to margins, not affecting the text. Good–moderate condition.
Issue of the weekly Die Welt, founded by Theodor Herzl. Cologne, June 24, 1910 – a special issue marking the 50th anniversary of Theodor Herzl’s birth.
The issue reports on a special memorial ceremony held in Czernowitz by the academic association “Hashmonaea” in honor of Herzl’s fiftieth birthday, attended by more than 2,000 people, during which Professor Meltzer delivered a speech dedicated to Herzl’s parents and his childhood years: “The audience listened with reverence, and when he finished, loud applause erupted.” The issue also reports on commemorative events held in Bucharest, Vienna (where speeches focused on the importance of developing Jewish gymnastics), Berlin, and other cities across Europe.
Complete issue. Leaves detached and stapled. Light stains, good condition.
Large photograph of the crowd of participants in the hall of the 13th World Zionist Congress, held on August 6–18, 1923, in Karlsbad, Czechoslovakia.
At this congress, criticism was raised regarding Zionism’s moderate stance toward the British Mandate authorities, and a decision was made to establish a Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
38 × 29 cm. Minor cracks at lower right. Good condition.
THEODOR HERZL A Memorial – A special memorial book published on the 25th anniversary of the death of Theodor Herzl, edited by Meyer W. Weisgal – New York 1929. Printed on glossy paper.
The book reviews Herzl’s private and public life and is accompanied by dozens of rare photos, examples of Herzl’s own handwritten letters, and vivid documentation of historical events related to Herzl and his extensive Zionist activity, Herzl in art, Herzl’s diaries, Herzl’s books and possessions after his death and more. Includes a large fold-out photograph (printed on special paper across two pages) of all the delegates who participated in the First Zionist Congress in Basel, 1897.
320 p. Light wear on the cover. Good condition.
Erez Jsrael – a guide for immigrants to the Land of Israel, detailing the required travel permits from various European countries, and illustrating travel and entry routes to the Land of Israel with maps for migrants from across Europe. Published by Keren Hayesod, Berlin, [1924]. In German. Extremely rare.
The title page features a “Map of Travel Routes to the Land of Israel” – marking the sea routes from various European cities. The body of the guide includes a detailed description of the different routes, the exit permits required for immigrants from various European countries, as well as specifications of different visas—such as the Egyptian transit visa for those traveling through Egypt, the entry visa to the Land of Israel, etc. It also lists steamer travel times from each European destination, addresses of Land of Israel offices operating throughout Europe that handled immigration permits, and more. In addition, the booklet describes the geographic, geopolitical, and economic structure of the Land of Israel, its various population groups, major historic sites, and an overview of the history of the Land of Israel. At the center of the guide appear five maps illustrating the various entry routes to the Land of Israel by sea, as well as the main internal routes within the country. The large central map shows the regions of Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel.
Extremely rare. Not listed in the WorldCat global library catalog.
[15] pp. Spine reinforced with adhesive tape. Good condition.
Souvenir Pictures British Empire Exhibition Wembley – Impressive photo album, a souvenir from the British Empire Exhibition, published by Fleetway Press Ltd., London, 1925. A rare documentation of the largest exhibition ever held anywhere in the world at the time. Among other things, it includes a photograph of the Palestine Pavilion presented at the exhibition.
The album contains over 60 pages of high-quality photographs (printed on glossy paper), accompanied by illustrations, showing various exhibition pavilions and the crowds visiting the fair. Among them are photographs of the Palestine Pavilion, which was intended to present the economic, industrial, and agricultural development of the country under British Mandate rule. The pavilion featured products manufactured in the new Jewish colonies, such as wooden items, textile goods and fabrics, as well as plans for the construction of ports, roads, and railways to connect Palestine with the rest of the British Empire. Models of the Hejaz Railway and the extended line developed by the British were also on display, along with photographs and blueprints of new cities like Tel Aviv, renovations in historic cities such as Jerusalem, art objects from Bezalel, and more.
The album pages feature numerous photographs of the “Palace of Engineering” – the largest building in the world at the time, constructed with a steel frame; the “Canadian Pavilion” – which included an internal railway line and exhibited agricultural and industrial products; the “Indian Pavilion” – one of the exhibition’s most impressive structures, with magnificent Indian architecture; the Australia Pavilion, the New Zealand Pavilion, the Cyprus Pavilion, the Canadian Pavilion, Old London, a massive display of Noah’s Ark, the amusement park, the coal mine, the lake that ran through the exhibition grounds, and many others.
The British Empire Exhibition was held in Wembley in the years 1924 and 1925. The exhibition was opened by King George V on April 23, St. George’s Day. Fifty-eight countries took part in the exhibition, which spanned an area of approximately 90,000,000 square feet (about 4 square kilometers) in Wembley Park, London. The grounds included a small monorail that transported visitors between the various pavilions.
The exhibition was intended to showcase the achievements of the British Empire in fields such as trade, agriculture, industry, and culture, to strengthen ties between Britain and its colonies, and to encourage trade and investment within the Empire. At the time, it was the largest exhibition ever held anywhere in the world, with 26 million visitors.
Its official goal was to stimulate commerce and reinforce the connection between the countries of the Empire. The three main buildings of the exhibition were the Palaces of Industry, Engineering, and the Arts. (Most of the exhibition halls were meant to be temporary and dismantled after the event, though the Palace of Engineering and the British Government Pavilion survived until the 1970s). Originally, the exhibition was scheduled for 1924 only, but was extended through 1925 due to its great success. The iconic Wembley Stadium, which would later host the 1966 FIFA World Cup Final and the FA Cup Final, was originally constructed for this exhibition.
[64] pages. 22×14 cm. Clean and nice pages. Very good condition.
Jüdischer Jugendkalender. Vierter Jahrgang. Herausgegeben von Emil Bernhard Cohn. Published by Jüdischer Verlag. Jewish youth calendar for the year 1934/35 by Emil Bernhard Cohn – Berlin. The cover illustration, showing a boy raising the flag of Israel against the backdrop of a Star of David, was designed by Kurt Arndt – only 17 years old at the time. Photographs by Edith Samuel.
A calendar for Jewish youth featuring articles, games, illustrations, and numerous photographs. Includes many articles focused on Jewish community life and the awakening of Zionism, such as The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Theodor Herzl Speaks, Jewish athletes, Jewish magicians, a Hanukkah game, and more. Among the contributors: Ḥayyim Naḥman Bialik, Emil Bernhard Cohn, Felix Pinner, Rita Silberstein, and others.
Illustrators include: Judith Rosenthal, Marianne Brodski, and more.
Published by Jüdischer Verlag (“The Jewish Publishing House”), founded in Berlin in 1902. Its founders were members of the Democratic Faction: Martin Buber, Ḥayyim Weizmann, Ephraim Moses Lilien, Berthold Feiwel, and Davis Trietsch. From 1902 to 1907, it was headed by Feiwel. The publishing house was established a few months after Martin Buber announced its founding at the Fifth Zionist Congress, as part of the effort to promote the role of art in the Jewish national revival. Buber sought financial support from the Zionist Organization to realize this vision. Jüdischer Verlag published works written in German (including fiction and scholarly works) as well as German translations of literature in Yiddish and Hebrew. Over time, it also began publishing Hebrew-language books. The present volume is one of the rare publications from the press’s final years in Germany.
108 pp. Light wear and reinforcement to the spine. Original bookstore label from Zurich. Good condition.
Ein Werdendes Land: Furende Manner der Welt zum Palastina Aufbau – “A Land in the Making: Leading World Figures in Support of the Building of Palestine”, published by Keren Hayesod. “The building of Palestine is the only cause with the mobilizing power necessary to achieve effective unification of the Jews” (Albert Einstein, as quoted in the booklet). Berlin, 1928 – First edition. In German. Extremely rare.
A collection of statements from prominent leaders and public figures—both Jewish and non-Jewish—around the world, in support of the Zionist enterprise in the Land of Israel in light of the Balfour Declaration, as expressed during the decade following the declaration (especially in the years 1926–1927), including notable German personalities.
Among the statements featured in the booklet are those of prominent German figures, such as a representative of the Bernstorff Embassy:
“We see the building of the Land of Israel as a great social endeavor, and therefore we wish to join it with energy… This great work of peace deserves support in Germany from moral, social, political, and economic perspectives as well.” (June 1927); Dr. Konrad Adenauer, Mayor of Cologne at the time, stated:
“Article 4 of the Palestine Mandate guaranteed the establishment of a Jewish national home in the Land of Israel. All the governments represented in the League of Nations, including the government of the German Reich, assumed joint responsibility for the fulfillment of this promise made to the Jewish people…” (November 1927); The President of the Stralsund District declared:
“Jews should not view the work in the Land of Israel with fear, but with increased self-confidence… The Jews of Europe and America must successfully carry out this work, which, in its humanitarian aims and vast scope, ranks among the foremost creations of human idealism…” ; Professor Georg Bernhard, editor-in-chief of the German Vossische Zeitung, wrote:
“I believe that the development work in the Land of Israel must be supported by all Jews in Germany…” (March 1926) ; and more.
The booklet also includes declarations from public figures across Europe, such as the first British High Commissioner, Sir Herbert Samuel:
“Let us express the hope and resolve that the second decade will yield results as magnificent as the first. It is a lofty goal, but with unceasing effort it can certainly be achieved.” (On the tenth anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, (November 1927); Albert Einstein is also quoted:
“I have no doubt that, in the current state of affairs, the building of Palestine is the only cause with the mobilizing power necessary to achieve effective unification of the Jews. It was Herzl’s enduring achievement to be the first to clearly recognize this fact and to draw practical conclusions from this insight. Therefore, in my view, every Jew who cares about the health of the Jewish community and the dignity of Jews in general must devote himself with all his strength to the realization of Herzl’s ideal.” (Berlin, 1926); Also included are statements by Chaim Weizmann, Leo Baeck, Martin Buber, and many others.
At the opening of the booklet appears a large group photograph of the participants of the German Pro-Palestine Conference, held in Germany on December 15, 1926. At the center stands Albert Einstein, flanked by: Kurt Blumenfeld, journalist and prominent German Zionist leader, Rabbi Dr. Leo Baeck, leader of German Jewry, Count Bernstorff, German diplomat and member of the anti-Nazi resistance, Dr. Hermann Josef Pünder, who would later (in 1944) attempt to assassinate Hitler and be deported to Buchenwald and Dachau concentration camps, Moritz Sobernheim, politician, head of the Department of Jewish-German Relations since its founding in 1918, Zionist activist, and president of the Society for the Promotion of Jewish Science
Carl Heinrich Becker, German orientalist, and others.
Extremely rare. Not listed in the global library catalog WorldCat.
40 [2] pp. Tears with some loss along the edges of the cover. The booklet’s body is in good condition.
Our Population in the Land by Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, published by the Executive Committee of the Youth Union and the World Center of HeHalutz, in cooperation with the Central Bureau of the Jewish National Fund. Warsaw, 1929. Volume I (the second volume dealt with the Arab inhabitants of the Land).
Yitzhak Ben-Zvi’s important work on the composition of the Jewish population in the Land of Israel during the 1920s, with detailed reference to each ethnic community – the occupations of Sephardi and Ashkenazi Jews, distinctive dialects of each group, demographic breakdown of the communities across the cities of the Land, the formation of Ashkenazi and Sephardi settlements in Eretz Israel, the immigration of Yemenite Jews and their establishment in the country, the unique customs of each community, and more.
The book is accompanied by photographs of members of the various communities in their traditional dress, which Yitzhak Ben-Zvi (who would later become President of the State of Israel) received from the large and unique collection of Dr. Arthur Ruppin, as well as from materials provided by the “Sephardi Association” in the Land of Israel.
91, [4] pp. Good – very good condition.
Two important items from the early days of “Maccabi” in Eretz Israel.
Participant card for the First Maccabiah, 20–29 Adar II, 5692 – March 1932.
Circular Letter A of the “Maccabi” Gymnastics Federation in Eretz Israel, Central Committee – Heshvan 5680 (October 1919) – a double-sided letter sent to members, marking the expansion of “Maccabi” from a local movement to a broad national organization. It was distributed following a large assembly of the movement held in Jerusalem, which marked its transformation into a countrywide movement.
With the end of World War I and the beginning of the British Mandate, the “Maccabi” societies operating in various cities throughout Eretz Israel united under a single body: The Gymnastics Federation of Maccabi in Eretz Israel. The federation’s goal was to cultivate both body and spirit among Jewish youth in the land. “Maccabi” was not merely a sports movement, but also a Zionist one with a clear national message – aspiring to shape a new Jewish identity: strong, proud, and engaged in pioneering activity. “Maccabi” societies operated across the country, engaging in gymnastics, popular sports, and competitions, while cooperating with the institutions of the Jewish Yishuv and establishing the first national frameworks for Hebrew sport.
Very good condition.
Official Program 10th Olympiad Los Angeles U.S.A – The official program of the 10th Olympic Games Los Angeles, USA – From August 14 – The closing day of the Olympic Games and the Olympic medal award ceremonies – Historical photographs. Rare.
A rare booklet released with the closing of the Olympic Games, including the names of the winners in the various events who would come to receive their prizes at the victory ceremonies, a list of the new Olympic records set during the Olympics. In the center of the booklet, there are montage photographs documenting the major events of the Olympics. Throughout the booklet, there is a description of the drama that unfolded during the Olympics in various sports: swimming, boxing, athletics, jumping, horses, boxing, and more. The booklet is accompanied by historical photographs from the Olympics. Toward the end, there is a list of the new world records set during this Olympics. At the beginning of the booklet is a photo of the President of the United States, “Honorary President of the Olympic Games” Herbert Hoover, followed by a photo of the Olympic torch.
32 pages. Good condition.
Five large sheets containing construction planning tables for the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, prepared by engineer G. Bauerle. Jerusalem, 1930. In German.
The tables include detailed specifications of construction materials for the building’s beams, balconies, and basement, surface area measurements of various sections of the complex, plastering and mortar work details, concrete reinforcements, and more. The tables list numerical data relating to the dimensions of various entryways, with notes indicating whether or not there was disagreement among the engineers involved.
The King David Hotel in Jerusalem was built at the initiative of the wealthy Jewish-Egyptian Mosseri family, who founded the Palestine Hotels Ltd. to establish an international luxury hotel in Jerusalem during the British Mandate. The land was purchased from the Greek Orthodox Church in 1929, and the building was designed by Swiss architect Emil Vogt in a neoclassical style with Biblical Eastern influences, aiming to combine European luxury with a biblical atmosphere. Construction began in 1930 under the supervision of Jerusalem architect Benjamin Chaikin, and the hotel opened in 1931—becoming a symbol of colonial-era prestige and a central hub of diplomacy and politics in the Land of Israel.
Large sheets, 62×34 cm. Very good condition.
Kol Zion HaLochemet, the broadcasting station of the Irgun Tzva’i Le’umi in Eretz Israel – announcement broadcast on Wednesday, 25 Tammuz 5706 / July 14, 1947 – two days after the bombing of the King David Hotel by Irgun members. A rare poster in which the Irgun claims it issued multiple warnings prior to the bombing, and that it expresses regret solely for the unintended death of Jews in the explosion. The organization states that the British bear direct responsibility for the deaths of the British and Arab victims, as they ignored the explicit warnings sent by the Irgun before the bombing.
After the British Government Intelligence Office issued a statement claiming that no warnings were given prior to the bombing of the hotel, the Irgun responded with the Notice. In it, members of the organization assert that three telephone warnings were issued half an hour before the explosion: one to the hotel’s telephone exchange, one to the editorial office of the Palestine Post, and one to the French consulate. They further claim that the explosives were brought into the building during a firefight with the British outpost, which was aware of the assault half an hour before the blast. According to the Irgun, the warnings provided sufficient time to completely evacuate the building of its staff and occupants, and the failure to do so was the fault of the British alone. The leaflet also addresses the organization’s earlier statement expressing mourning only for the Jewish victims, clarifying that the sole objective of the operation was the destruction of the target itself. The Irgun accuses the British of not mourning the six million Jews who were “murdered through their fault during the war… they did not mourn the Struma or the Patria, nor did they mourn the hundreds of Jews murdered in Poland because the British refused them entry into their stolen homeland.” The Irgun reaffirms that they mourn only the Jewish victims.
The bombing of the King David Hotel was a terrorist attack carried out by members of the Irgun as part of the Jewish Resistance Movement against the British Mandate in Eretz Israel, on July 22, 1946 (23 Tammuz 5706), following “Black Sabbath”. The Irgun blew up the southern wing of the King David Hotel, which housed the military headquarters of the British Mandate government, as well as administrative personnel. The explosion killed approximately 91 people, most of them Arabs and British, along with 17 Jews. Around 45 others were injured. Whether a warning was given before the bombing, and in what manner, remains a historical mystery that has never been conclusively resolved. According to prevailing accounts, the Irgun did attempt to deliver a telephone warning prior to the explosion, as claimed in the present leaflet, but the British authorities failed to heed the alerts. One account suggests that Heinrich Reinhold, a British agent who had infiltrated the Irgun and was involved in the operation, did not manage to warn his handlers in time about the planned attack, and they chose not to act without an explicit alert. At 12:10 PM, the Irgun reportedly informed the hotel switchboard, the editorial office of the Palestine Post, and the nearby French consulate about the placement of explosives. The consulate staff responded by opening the building’s windows to avoid shattering from the expected blast. The hotel management decided to evacuate the hotel’s guests – except those in the southern wing, where the British authorities were based. The British government claimed the warning was received “not by someone of sufficient rank to authorize the evacuation of the hotel.” According to one testimony, the Chief Secretary of the Mandate government, John Shaw, responded to the warning by saying: “I am not here to take orders from Jews; I give them orders.” Shaw, for his part, stated: “No warning was given to me or to anyone else in the building. Even assuming I had received one, I would not have had enough time to evacuate the people.” At the time of the explosion, a meeting was underway in Shaw’s office with all department heads present.
Size: 40×26 cm. Fold mark. Very good condition.
Two large posters – in Hebrew and English – the British authorities’ first response to the 1929 riots, featuring a sweeping accusation against the Arabs for initiating the violence (an accusation they retracted just hours later). Printed at the Greek Monastery Press, Jerusalem, September 1, 1929.
In his statement, High Commissioner John Chancellor places direct blame on the Arabs for the outbreak of the 1929 riots: “I have returned from the United Kingdom to find to my distress the country in a state of disorder and a prey to unlawful violence. I have learned with horror of the atrocious acts committed by bodies of ruthless and bloodthirsty evil-doers, of savage murders perpetrated upon defenceless mem-bers of the Jewish population regardless of age or sex, accompanied, as at Hebron, by acts of unspeakable savagery, of the burning of farms and houses in town and country and of the looting and destruction of property. These crimes have brought upon their authors the execration of all civilised peoples throughout the world…”
At the same time, the Mandatory authorities immediately suspended all Arab newspapers, holding them responsible for incitement to violence and public disorder. This unusually sharp public statement, directed squarely at the Arab population, provoked fury among Arab leaders toward High Commissioner John Chancellor. Within hours, under mounting pressure, Chancellor wrote to the British government, urging it to reconsider—or even withdraw entirely—its commitment to Zionism. In his private correspondence, he referred to the Balfour Declaration as a “colossal blunder.” And a few days later, he issued a second statement in which he retracted his earlier firm words and announced that an investigation would be conducted into the conduct of both sides.
Size (each): 43×34 cm. Light stains. Good condition.
A collection of internal publications of the militant group “The People’s Movement for a Hebrew State” and of “Habonim” – outlining the movement’s principles, worldview, and practical program for striving toward the establishment of a Hebrew state in the Land of Israel. Typewritten with some handwritten content. Land of Israel, 1945–1946.
Internal transcripts of the movement’s meetings, in which members discussed a wide range of topics aimed at advancing its activity. Among other things, they detail the expansion of the organization’s ranks and scope of operations, extensive collection of archival materials supporting the establishment of a Jewish state, the development of detailed plans for the transition from wartime industry to building the days of peace once the state would be established, the transfer of classified materials for the internal newspaper of the group’s members, practical actions stemming from the view of shifting from the political level of theoretical debate about “freedom” and “vision” to the practical level of active operations, the establishment of youth units intended to form the “national youth movement, ” the founding of settlement nuclei in the Land of Israel, and more.
The People’s Movement for a Hebrew State was a militant party founded between 1944–1948 within the Jewish Yishuv in the Land of Israel, with the goal of opposing British rule and actively working toward the establishment of a Hebrew state. It was established by former members of the New Zionist Organization who sought renewed cooperation with the organized Yishuv, joined by members of the labor settlement movement led by Yigal Hurvitz, who demanded a more active and determined stance in the struggle against the British Mandate, in contrast to the moderate line of Mapai. The party was formed ahead of the elections to the Fourth Assembly of Representatives in 1944, and its assertive position earned it a significant place in the political landscape of the time. The list was headed by Binyamin Eliav, followed by Yigal Hurvitz, Israel Ben-Shem, Dr. M. Marcus, and Ari Jabotinsky. In 1946, the movement presented a slate in the elections to the 22nd World Zionist Congress.
At the first national conference of the movement in the summer of 1945, Binyamin Eliav presented his resolute vision: “Across the entire generation, even among those affiliated with the old parties, two fundamental demands are being voiced above all: unified activism by the masses of the Yishuv against the colonial regime, and the establishment of a single sovereign authority within the Hebrew Yishuv, which will bring about significant social change and organize both economic and human forces for the struggle for Hebrew independence.”
In 1946, with the aim of mobilizing the younger generation in the Zionist struggle, the party established a youth movement named Nakhshonim.
The events of early 1948 led to the founding of the newspaper Mivrak, in collaboration with Lehi, as another step in their focused and militant struggle for the future of the Hebrew state.
[18] leaves. Some pages with stains and tears. Overall in good condition.
“HaBoker” Newspaper – A Jewish State Approved and the Partition Plan – issue dated November 30, 1947 (the day after the UN vote on November 29, 1947), announcing the United Nations’ approval of the establishment of a Jewish state and the Partition Plan. The headline reads: “A Jewish State Approved – 33 Nations For, 13 Against, 11 Abstained.”
On the title page, at left, appears a map of the UN Partition Plan, showing the proposed division of the Land of Israel into a Jewish state and an Arab state according to the November 29 resolution. On November 29, 1947, the United Nations General Assembly adopted, by a majority of 33 votes, the Partition Plan for the Land of Israel into two states—Jewish and Arab. In the midst of a turbulent period, following the destruction of European Jewry and in the shadow of the approaching end of the British Mandate, the international community recognized the historic and national right of the Jewish people to a homeland in the Land of Israel. The vote was received with profound emotion throughout the Jewish Yishuv and was seen as a decisive step toward the establishment of a sovereign Jewish state.
[4] pp., 56 cm. Light stains, fold marks. Good condition.
“Statehood Newspaper – Commemorative Issue” – souvenir newspaper issued by the editorial board of Davar on the occasion of the Declaration of Independence on Sunday, May 16, 1948, bearing the headline: “The State of Israel Is Established.”
This issue was published on the same day as the official Davar declaration edition, with the added title “Commemorative Issue.” The format and headlines are identical to those of the official edition released that same day. Throughout the newspaper appear extensive articles under historic headlines marking the great event, such as: “The United States Recognized Our State”, “All Laws of the White Paper Are Null and Void”, “All the Jewish Diaspora with the State of Israel”, “The First Day in the State of Israel”, “This Is How the Establishment of the State Was Proclaimed”, and more.
4 pages. Complete issue. Fold marks, light stains. Very good condition.
The people declare on the State of Israel”. “Last day for foreign rule” – the “Yom HaMedina” newspaper, festive issue co-published by the Country newspapers on the State Declaration Day. May 14, 1948. At 16:00 o’clock in the afternoon – published at the time of the Declaration of Independence.
Subheadings on the title page: “On November 29, 1947, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution requiring the establishment of a Jewish state in Eretz Israel – and by virtue of our natural and historical right we hereby declare the establishment of a Jewish state in Eretz Israel, the State of Israel”, and also: “All the White Paper laws are nullified” and “The Hebrew Army expands its conquests on Independence Day”. At the top of the Issues’ title page is a photo of Theodor Herzl, below is a photo of the members of the Provisional Government in their first meeting at the People’s Administration.
2 pages. Complete issue. 58 cm. Fold mark. good condition.
A leaf printed on one side. With the title: “The state will established” – a special issue of Ha’aretz newspaper reporting on the UN resolution passed in November 1947 on the establishment of two independent states in the Land of Israel – a Jewish state alongside an Arab state. Published on the day of the UN decision!
“The UN General Assembly passed a two-thirds majority resolution on the establishment of two states – Jewish and Arab – in the Land of Israel”.
[1] leaf 35×24 cm. Fold marks. Paper backing for reinforcement.. Good condition.
Issue No. 1 of “Iton Rishmi” (Official Gazette) Published by the State of Israel (Provisional Government). Printed by “HaPoel HaTzair” Press, Tel Aviv, 5 Iyar 5708 – May 14, 1948.
“Iton Rishmi” was the original name of “Reshumot” – the official newspaper of record for the State of Israel, where all laws and regulations of the State of Israel were first published. This is the first issue, printed on the day of the establishment of the state, containing the Declaration of Independence, which Ben-Gurion read before the People’s Council just hours earlier. Alongside the declaration, the first legal document of the State of Israel is printed – the “Proclamation of the Provisional State Council, ” which Ben-Gurion read immediately after the declaration, defining for the first time the powers of the Provisional State Council as the legislative authority; the abolition of the 1939 “White Paper” regulations; and the establishment of Mandatory law as the basis for Israel’s legal system.
3, [1] pages. 33 cm. Light stains. Good condition.
“The Face of the Mandate from Beginning to End” – special issue of Yediot Ma’ariv published on May 15, 1948, the day after the Declaration of Independence, marking the end of the British Mandate and the beginning of a new era with the establishment of the State of Israel. Written in a critical tone, the issue reflects the sense of relief and joy felt in the Jewish Yishuv—not only over the founding of the state, but also over the departure of the British: “We kept our word… they broke theirs… and were shamefully expelled.”
The issue reviews major events in the history of the British Mandate in the Land of Israel, beginning with its early days—the ceremonial entrance of Allenby, the appointment of High Commissioner Herbert Samuel, Lord Balfour alongside Dizengoff—and continues with a critical contrast: On the one hand, “We kept our word…” — with photographs documenting the cooperation and goodwill of the Jewish Yishuv, such as: “We named our streets after their greats”, Jewish soldiers serving in the British army, and more. On the other hand, “They broke theirs…” — the White Paper, the raid on the Jewish Agency building, the Patria in flames, the youth of Israel pressed against the wall, and more. The issue concludes with: “And were shamefully expelled” — “Slowly they leave, and it is not at all easy to rid ourselves of them completely…”. At the center of the issue are maps of the Land of Israel based on various partition plans proposed by the British, and a detailed timeline of the British Mandate’s history in the country.
[4] pp., 47 cm. Fold marks. Good condition.
Passover Haggadah “Am Yisrael Chai”. Arranged by Elchanan-Shlomo-Chaim Fedler, together with his son, the artist David-Noach (Dov) Fedler. A copy dedicated and signed by the author to Yitzhak Rabin during his first term as Prime Minister of Israel, and to all members of the 16th government: “To the Prime Minister of Israel, Yitzhak Rabin, and the Knesset members – a present of my work, with respect and admiration, from A. Sh. Fedler ‘The Young Typesetter’. 18 Kislev 5737, 10.12.1976.” Published by S. Fedler Printing House, Johannesburg, 1976. Hebrew and English on facing pages (the English column is printed over a background of the State of Israel emblem – the Menorah).
A non-traditional Zionist Haggadah, in which the author sought to intertwine the Zionist narrative with the story of the Exodus from Egypt. The Haggadah is accompanied throughout by illustrations, photographs, and passages referencing the Jewish people’s struggle for an independent state and its realization. As a story of fulfillment whose end is rooted in its beginning, it features the famous group photograph of the delegates to the First Zionist Congress in Basel, 1897, alongside the iconic image of Ben-Gurion declaring the independence of the State of Israel on 5 Iyar 1948. The narrative traces the path through the heroes of the Zionist revolution from its inception – Theodor Herzl, Albert Einstein, Hannah Szenes – to the leaders of the state: Menachem Begin, Golda Meir, Shimon Peres, Yitzhak Rabin, and many others.
Alongside the traditional passages, the story of the modern Jewish revival is interwoven. In a surprising analogy to the classic segment describing our sages who sat in Bnei Brak recounting the Exodus from Egypt all through the night until their students came to rouse them, Theodor Herzl, Ze’ev Jabotinsky, Chaim Weizmann, Zalman Shazar, Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, Ephraim Katzir, and David Ben-Gurion appear as “our sages”, whose students implore them: “The time of liberation has arrived…”.
Later in the Haggadah, following traditional passages, the author includes a section titled “Memorial for the Martyrs of the Holocaust”, composed by Rufus Learsi, which he wished to be recited in every Jewish home on Passover night as part of the traditional Haggadah. This section is accompanied by a photograph of Jews being led to execution in the Warsaw Ghetto. Also included is a photograph from the annual memorial rally held in Johannesburg in memory of the six million victims of the Holocaust.
Following the Partisan’s Song, an illustration appears of the military cemetery on Mount Herzl, a photograph of immigrants arriving in the Land of Israel, Independence Day dances, a Prayer for the Peace of the State of Israel, and a photo of the celebrations following the successful Entebbe Operation to rescue the Israeli hostages.
[8], 60, [16] pages. Light stains on some of the leaves. The Haggadah is bound in an additional hard protective cover, to which the publisher affixed the errata leaf. Good – very good condition.
Non-traditional Haggadah for children with passages referring to the miracle of the existence of the State of Israel in its 25th year – Kibbutz Hulda – “The 25th year of the State of Israel” – 1973. Typewritten with illustrations by Milka Cohen.
The Haggadah opens with spring songs, the ritual of the Omer harvest, communal singing, Tal, grant favor to Your land, the first cup for freedom. This is followed by a special reading section: “We shall sanctify this Passover in the 25th year of the State of Israel – we shall bless the heroes among our people, the defenders of the homeland, those who risk their lives on the battlefields, the soldiers of the redemption of the State of Israel…”; a blessing for the pioneers of Israel “who transformed malaria-ridden swamps into grain fields… who planted forests and built up the desolate land”, a blessing for the multitudes of the House of Israel “from the exiles of East and West”, and a blessing for “our sons and daughters and our comrades in the army.” The Haggadah then includes passages from the traditional text – Ha Lachma Anya, the second cup for the blessing of the land, kindergarten children asking Ma Nishtana, Avadim Hayinu, The Four Sons, Vehi She’amda, etc. A new version of Chad Gadya appears, and finally, the fourth cup for peace: “We raise a cup of blessing for peace – and not for war, for the plow and not the sword, for planting and not for uprooting, for the land is vast and open, and all human beings are its children.”
At the end of the Haggadah appears a passage exalting the rebirth of the State of Israel: “שהחיינו וקיימנו והגיענו לזמן הזה. The longing of every prophet and the yearning of every visionary. That this is no dream I am dreaming and no illusion I am imagining – but that the vision is real. That I saw with my own eyes the fall of seed in Jezreel by the hand of a few starving, shadowless unknowns, and behold their sheaf rises and grows into the State of Israel. Next year in rebuilt Jerusalem.”
Hulda , a kibbutz in the Shfela region within the Gezer Regional Council, located near the Hulda Forest. Near this forest, the Burma Road was paved, which opened the way to Jerusalem when it was under siege during the War of Independence. The kibbutz was established as a group in 1930 by the Gordonia movement.
21 pages. The Haggadah begins on page 2 with an “Opening, ” with no indication of a missing leaf. However, a second title page may be missing. Some pages include emphases, “instructions, ” and handwritten names of the children designated to read the various sections of the Haggadah. Good condition.
