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Archival photos colourised for Jerusalem Day

Stunning images taken between 1924 and 1951 released to commemorate the 'reunification' of east and west Jerusalem following the Six-Day War of 1967

By Michelle Rosenberg 27 May 2025, 5:27 pm
Building "Kiryat HaYovel" Neighbourhood: A glimpse into the early construction of "Kiryat HaYovel", named in honor of KKL’s 50th anniversary. Jerusalem, 1951. Colourisation: Tamar Hayardeni
First Fruits (Bikkurim) Ceremony at KKL-JNF: Preschool children dressed in white, bringing bikkurim to KKL-JNF’s offices at the National Institutions Building in celebration of Shavuot. Jerusalem, 1946. Colourization: Tamar Hayardeni
The National Library on Mount Scopus: The Hebrew University building on Mount Scopus, then home to Israel’s National Library, before access was cut off after 1948 and the library was relocated to western Jerusalem. Jerusalem, 1945. Colourisation: Tamar Hayardeni
Israel's Third Independence Day Parade: Female soldiers march down King George Street during a military parade marking Israel's third Independence Day. Jerusalem, 1951. Colourisation: Tamar Hayardeni

Photographs capturing historic moments in the life of Israel’s capital were released in full colour for Jerusalem Day. 

The images from the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) photo archive were taken between 1924 and 1951, each carefully restored and colourised based on in-depth historical research.

The work was led by Jerusalem researcher Tamar Hayardeni, who specialises in bringing archival photographs to life.

Patrol in the Divided City: IDF soldiers march along the snow-covered municipal border, with the Old City walls looming in the background. Jerusalem, 1950.
Colourisation: Tamar Hayardeni

Each image underwent a meticulous process of visual analysis and historical investigation to ensure the most authentic and lifelike result possible.

The project includes a selection of striking moments from Jerusalem’s modern history, including IDF soldiers marching in patrol in snow covered Jerusalem, with the Old City walls looming in the background; a glimpse into the early construction of “Kiryat HaYovel” neighbourhood, named in honor of KKL’s 50th anniversary; female soldiers marching down King George Street during a military parade marking Israel’s third Independence Day and the National Library on Mount Scopus in 1945.

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