Yom Ha’atzmaut: rare archive pictures honour State of Israel

KKL-JNF shares historic images in honour of Israel's 76th Independence Day

  • A female soldier is preparing lunch for fighters on the front lines near Lod-Ramla, 1948. Photo by Fred Chesnik, KKL-JNF Photo Archive
    A female soldier is preparing lunch for fighters on the front lines near Lod-Ramla, 1948. Photo by Fred Chesnik, KKL-JNF Photo Archive
  • Defensive position in Yavne, 1947. Photo by Yaakov Rosner, KKL-JNF Photo Archive
    Defensive position in Yavne, 1947. Photo by Yaakov Rosner, KKL-JNF Photo Archive
  • Memorial Day in Jerusalem, 1971. KKL-JNF Photo Archive
    Memorial Day in Jerusalem, 1971. KKL-JNF Photo Archive
  • Celebrations on the night of Independence Day in Tel Aviv, 1960. 
KKL-JNF Photo Archive
    Celebrations on the night of Independence Day in Tel Aviv, 1960. KKL-JNF Photo Archive
  • Military Parade with Tanks in Jerusalem on the First Anniversary of Israel's Independence Day in 1949. Photo by Fred Chesnik, KKL-JNF Photo Archive.
    Military Parade with Tanks in Jerusalem on the First Anniversary of Israel's Independence Day in 1949. Photo by Fred Chesnik, KKL-JNF Photo Archive.
  • Celebration of Israel's 5th Independence Day in Kfar Mordechai, 1953. 
Photo by Fritz Schlesinger, KKL-JNF Photo Archive
    Celebration of Israel's 5th Independence Day in Kfar Mordechai, 1953. Photo by Fritz Schlesinger, KKL-JNF Photo Archive

A treasure trove of extraordinary archival photos capturing the birth of the only Jewish state has been released by Keren Kayemet LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF).

From images of young Jewish soldiers in defensive position in Yavne, 1947 to memorial day celebrations in Jerusalem in 1971 and young kibbutzniks waving the Israeli flag, the pictures reflect the early years of the Jewish State following its establishment as the Jewish homeland on 14th May 1948.

Yeshiva Students Undergoing Shooting Range Training in Jerusalem, during the War of Independence, 1948. Photo by Fred Chesnik, KKL-JNF Photo Archive

Efrat Sinai, the organisation’s director of archives said: “As we approach Israel’s 76th Independence Day, we are delighted to share archival treasures that narrate the saga of Israel and Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund, showcasing the resilience and unity that are paramount, particularly in our current times.

“These images stand as powerful reminders that even during turmoil, the unbreakable unity of the Israeli people shines brightly, unwavering, and undefeated.”

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