Archive reveals photos of Passover celebrations from Israel’s first decades

Keren Kayemet LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) reveals rare images depicting how the celebration of Passover was observed in young Israel, between 1940-1980

By Michelle Rosenberg 24 April 2024, 3:08 pm
Jerusalem - A festive parade of Jewish soldiers during Passover, 1948. Photo by Rudolf Jonas, KKL-JNF Archive.
Jerusalem - Burning of chametz in the Mea She'arim neighborhood, 1983. Photo by KKL-JNF Archive.
Aden, Yemen - Passover ceremony at the main Rabbi's house in Aden, 1949. Photo by Fred Chesnick, KKL-JNF Archive.

A series of incredible archive photographs detailing Passover celebrations in the early years of Israel’s modern history has been released.

The images, shared by Keren Kayemet LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) showcase the baking of matzah, the search for chametz, the Passover Seder, and the holiday processions.

Jerusalem – Matzah baking for Passover, 1960. Photo by Martha Hallewig, KKL-JNF Archive.

A spokesperson for KKL JNF said: “The images reveal to us the beautiful Israel of the past alongside the tradition that has remained unchanged to this day”.

Jerusalem – Three-Day March for Passover, April 1970. Photo by Poto Aviv, KKL-JNF Archive.

Established in 1920, the archive houses 180,000 prints and slides in colour and black-and-white. Capturing around 100 years of photography, it incorporates key episodes in the history of Jewish settlement and life in the land of Israel.

From reclaiming land, building new communities, the pioneers, early cities and moshav farming communities, to ceremonies, festivals, immigrant absorption, distinguished figures and Zionist Congresses.

Click here to find out more about the archive.

read more:
comments