“1948: Israel’s Declaration of Independence – Original Poster with Ben-Gurion and Herzl”

$1,250.00

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“The Birth of the State of Israel – David Ben-Gurion, 1948 | Original Post-Independence Declaration Poster”

An original Israeli poster from 1948, printed immediately after the Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel, during the most formative and historic days of the nation.

The left side of the poster features a powerful photograph of David Ben-Gurion delivering the Declaration of Independence, holding the scroll of the proclamation at the Tel Aviv Museum. Above him appears a framed portrait of Theodor Herzl, visually and symbolically linking the Zionist vision with its historic realization.

The right side presents a central quotation from Ben-Gurion’s speech, printed in bold Hebrew typography. The simple blue border, period paper, and restrained graphic design reflect the urgency, austerity, and emotional weight of a nation being born in real time.

This poster is a rare visual document from the very moment of the birth of the State of Israel, printed in real time just days after the Declaration of Independence. It does not look back in commemoration, but rather reflects the urgency, faith, and sense of responsibility of the historic hour itself. The combination of David Ben-Gurion delivering the Declaration alongside the portrait of Theodor Herzl creates a direct link between the Zionist vision and its realization. Produced for immediate public distribution and preserved in only a limited number of surviving copies, this poster is a unique collector’s item of significant historical, cultural, and museum value, highly sought after by collectors of Zionist and early Israeli material.

Full Transcription

“Upon each of us, 
in these days, rests only
one duty: to build with love
and with faith, in Jewish brotherhood,
the State of Israel,
and to defend it
with our very lives.”

Bottom right: From the words of D. Ben-Gurion on the day following the Declaration of the State, 10 Iyar 5708 May 15, 1948

Bottom left:David Ben-Gurion proclaiming the establishment of the State of Israel on the 5th of Iyar 5708 – May 14, 1948

• Year: 1948

• Printing technique: Zincography

• Paper: Original period paper

• Size:  62×47 cm
  (approx. 24.4 × 18.5 inches)

• Mapai – The Workers’ Party of the Land of Israel

• Language: Hebrew

• Condition: Age-related wear, folds, and natural patina consistent with authentic historical material