A rare and impressive poster printed during the 1949 Independence War by the Israel Defense Forces Rabbinate, reflecting a unique fusion of military spirit, Jewish tradition, and early visual propaganda of the emerging state.

The poster is designed in a bold graphic style reminiscent of linocut printing, using a limited color palette—primarily blue, black, and white—creating strong contrast and a distinctly pioneering aesthetic.

At the top appears a large Hebrew headline:
“Spread over us the shelter of Your peace,” a liturgical phrase that gives the poster a spiritual and protective dimension.

At the center is a structured prayer or blessing for soldiers, arranged by the days of the week, emphasizing the connection between faith and the national war effort.

On both sides of the composition are powerful symbolic figures. On the left stands a modern pioneer-soldier, dressed in work clothes and holding both agricultural tools and weapons, representing the “new Jew” — both farmer and fighter. On the right appears a more ancient, biblical-style figure, draped in a robe and holding a sword and shield marked with the Star of David, creating a visual bridge between the ancient past and the renewed present.

In the background, scenes of construction, labor, and mobilization are depicted—workers, soldiers, and the building of the הארץ—reinforcing the narrative of national revival in the midst of struggle.

At the bottom appears the emblem of the IDF alongside the inscription “The Chief Military Rabbinate,” indicating the official origin of the poster and its role as both a moral and educational tool for soldiers during wartime.

This poster captures a unique historical moment in which religion, nationalism, and war merge into a single visual language—an effort to provide spiritual meaning and encouragement during the existential struggle of the young state.

Technical details: Size: 50 × 35 cm; Size in inches: approximately 19.7 × 13.8 inches; Printing technique: linocut; Period: 1948, during the War of Independence; Condition: typically shows folds, light staining, and age-related wear consistent with wartime paper materials.