Collection of 11 “Kol Tzfat” sheets published in the midst of the battles of the War of Independence in Safed during the months of April – May 1948. (Includes all issues published except for the final issue – the day of the liberation of Safed).
Issues 1–10: January – May 10, 1948, and a special edition printed in gold on May 10, 1949 – a special publication marking the anniversary of the liberation of Safed.
Among the issues is a sheet featuring the special announcement “To Our Arab Neighbors”, which included an open call for peace: “We are neither conquerors nor invaders, not imperialist bloodsuckers draining the lifeblood of nations. We have returned to our ancient, historic homeland, stolen from us by the hand of an ancient invader. We will rebuild it from its ruins. We will bring life to its desolation. We love our homeland with a deep, boundless love… Our faithful hand, holding the weapon, is extended in peace” (Issue VIII). Also included is the issue reporting on the immigrant ship “Mishmar HaEmek”, which arrived in Haifa carrying 785 immigrants who had been deported to Cyprus, and more.
The newspaper Kol Tzfat was published by order of the city’s commander, Meir Meivar, out of fear of a mass exodus of Jews from Safed during the war. The newspaper’s writers were housed in the Haganah headquarters, and between January and May 1948 they printed eleven issues filled with militant messages directed at the residents of Safed. The issues played a major role in calming tensions within the Jewish community and disseminating essential information during the fierce battles.
General condition good.
