Two “Misken” Certificates – Issued by the Great Committee for the Very Miserable – National Association of the Miserable. Israel, 1967. “Hereby we certify that the bearer… is a very miserable person, and therefore we kindly ask the public to take this into consideration to avoid unpleasantness. With thanks in advance, ‘Chairman on the Head, ’ National Association of the Miserable, Shlomoiel Batlani.”
When these certificates first arrived, they appeared to us as humorous novelty items, possibly issued for Purim or similar occasions, given the playful details – such as the fictitious names “Shlomoiel Batlani” and the absurd titles like “Chairman on the Head”. However, after investigation, we were surprised to discover that “Teudat Misken” (Certificate of Misken) was indeed a real document issued by the “Committee for the Miserable” in the 1950s and 1960s.
These certificates were reportedly issued to individuals deemed “eligible” based on certain criteria. Holders of the certificate were said to receive certain privileges, such as: Exemption from waiting in line for various state services.
Priority boarding on buses. Discounts on property taxes and municipal services.
Food vouchers and subsidized medical assistance. We even came across a personal testimony from someone who claimed that his father possessed such a certificate. Furthermore, additional examples of “Teudat Misken” can be found online. That said, we do not guarantee that the certificates before us were officially used for such privileges. It is possible they were produced as a humorous parody. Either way, this is a fascinating and unusual item.
Both certificates are in good condition.
