Ben-Gurion’s Top Secret Signed Letter 1951: Israeli-Syrian Border Conflict Written After the Independence War. The Clam of Israel’s Sovereignty over Demilitarized Syrian Border

In 1951, Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion wrote a classified letter that played a crucial role in establishing Israeli control and ownership over the demilitarized area on the Syrian border. This letter was a significant milestone in Israel’s historical claim to the region.

Background:

After the 1948 war, territories that were meant for the “Jewish state” according to the UN partition plan were held by the Syrian army. However, in 1949, the armistice agreements required the Syrian army to withdraw from these areas, designating them as “demilitarized zones.” Despite this, Israel maintained its claim of sovereignty over these regions, as outlined in the partition plan.

Tensions Escalate:

In 1951, tensions escalated when Syrian forces attacked Israeli workers during the Lake HaHula drying project. This incident brought the disputes over the demilitarized areas to the forefront.

Ben-Gurion Takes a Stand:

In response to the escalating dispute and General Riley’s statement denying sovereign rights to either side, Prime Minister Ben-Gurion wrote a letter on March 13, 1951. This letter was addressed to ministers, government members, and high IDF officials, and it made it clear that Israel intended to apply its laws to the demilitarized areas. It also delineated the responsible authority for the region. As a result, on March 30, the Israeli government took action and decided to realize its sovereignty over these regions.

This classified letter remains a pivotal moment in Israel’s history, shaping the nation’s territorial policy and strengthening its claim over the demilitarized Syrian border.

The post Ben-Gurion’s Top Secret Signed Letter 1951: Israeli-Syrian Border Conflict Written After the Independence War. first appeared on VINTAGE ISRAELI POSTERS.

The Altalena, a ship whose fate nearly incited a civil war in the newly-established State of Israel. Immediately after Israel attained statehood, Prime Minister David Ben Gurion established a national army into which several independent Jewish defense forces, small armies with their own political philosophies, were supposed to unite.

However, in this case, unity was late to come.

On June 20, 1948, the Altalena arrived in Israel carrying 930 World War II refugees and a stockpile of ammunition amassed by the Irgun (one of the independent defense forces) in direct violation of Ben Gurion’s new military chain of command. In the midst of the ship’s landing and a cease-fire in the War of Independence, Ben Gurion gave the order to shell the ship, forcing Jews to fire on Jews and almost sparking a civil war.

The controversy surrounding the Altalena affair continues to reverberate in current Israeli politics s until today and the remains of the ship have not yet been found.

The post The Etzel Surrender Agreement – The Altalena Affair Extremely Rare Document first appeared on VINTAGE ISRAELI POSTERS.

In the postcard, Jabotinsky reveals his attempts to obtain a visa to Palestine while traveling in Tyrol, Austria. This was no easy feat, as Jewish immigrants faced strict restrictions on entry to Israel imposed by the British Mandate regime. According to the regulations of the first White Book from 1920, the British limited immigration to Israel based on the country’s “economic absorption capacity,” with quotas primarily granted to those with financial means, relatives in Israel, students, and people with certain professions.  This left many Jews unable to immigrate to Israel, even during the great immigrations of the fourth and fifth waves.

Jabotinsky’s urgency and determination to enter the country are evident in his plans to visit Jerusalem between October 1 and 10, despite the difficult circumstances. The postcard was written just months after Zabotinsky was elected to be the Zionist  Executive, a limited committee of the World Zionist Organization, at the 12th Zionist Congress in August of 1921.

Jabotinsky was a Zionist leader and one of the most influential Jewish activists of the 20th century. He was a key figure in the creation of the Jewish Legion during World War I, which played a pivotal role in the establishment of the State of Israel. He was also a prolific writer and orator, advocating for Jewish rights and independence at every turn.

This postcard is a remarkable piece of history documenting the struggles and determination of one of the most influential figures in the Jewish national movement.

The post Incredibly Rare Postcard by Ze’ev Jabotinsky 1921 Insight into His Journey towards Creating Jewish State first appeared on VINTAGE ISRAELI POSTERS.

In 1919, after six years in France and later with World War I in a children’s refugee home in Odessa, she returned to Palestine On the famous “Ruslan” ship and settled at Kevuzat Deganyah as an agronomist until she was forced to leave when diagnosed with tuberculosis.

“You’re sick and we’re healthy, That’s why you should leave” she was told by one of her friends in Deganyah. Her last years were spent in loneliness and agony. Many of Rachel’s poems were written after she was already ill, and they express the warm feeling she felt for the landscapes of the Kinneret and the work of the land, and her longing for the members of the group.

One of them was Ben Zion Israeli, a pioneer from Rehovot and Deganyah, who also was Rahel’s lover at the time and left her due to her illness. Ben Zion was married to Haya Israeli (Selzer) who was Rahel’s friend.

In 1925 Rahel wrote a letter to Ben Zion expressing her distress, her loneliness, and her longing for the Sea of ​​Galilee and him. She asks him to come to visit her in the hospital so she could personally give him a poem she wrote for him. In the estate of Haya Israeli is the love poem attached to Rachel’s letter.

The letter before us expresses the tension between the two companies following the affair in the illness shadow as well as Rahel’s state of mind during these years. We find a poetic letter painted with tenderness and melody, in which Rahel insists that she does not and has never had any “spirit of revenge” towards Haya and that now her heart is at peace about their relationship.

She is reminded of the “Kinneret Rahel, a laughing, dancing and frivolous girl” and is surprised to discover that in Haya’s eyes, she was wise and great. Rachel writes about “the woman poet”.  The whispers in which a woman’s inner world is expressed, that is her sole authority, in which a man has no part.

The letter ends with a greeting to Ben- Zion Israeli “who was my friend and now is estranged from me” and a greeting to the Kinneret that she loved so much.

The post Rahel The Poetess Secret Romance -Introducing The Lost Letter of Rachel – Signed 1925 first appeared on VINTAGE ISRAELI POSTERS.

_Unit 101_ Collection

The collection showcases 60 original photographs and paper artifacts from “Unit 101” 1953-1954.

The photographs document various reprisals conducted by IDF soldiers, including “Operation Shoshana” in Kivia (October 1953), “Operation Samaria” in Kalkilia (October 1956), “Operation Tzuk Sela” in Khirbet Shona (May 1965), “Operation Magrash” in Kfar A-Samoa in Mount Hebron (November 1966), and more. They depict soldiers en route to, during, or returning from these operations. The images feature the destruction of Kibiya and Samua villages, aerial shots of the aftermath, and a group photo with Chief of Staff Moshe Dayan alongside Unit 101 soldiers. Most are annotated on the back, some have attached information sheets (in English), Hebrew titles, and military censorship stamps. Various photographers and agencies, such as Avraham Vared, Newsphot Ltd., “Sela,” Shmuel Shachem, and Paul Goldman, contributed. Five printed maps show operation locations and IDF movements.

Unit 101 was established in August 1953 under the leadership of its commander, Ariel Sharon. Comprising 50 young men chosen for their integrity, humility, physical prowess, bravery, patriotism, and willingness to make sacrifices, Unit 101 redefined combat standards during its brief existence.

Just five months after its formation, Unit 101 was disbanded and integrated into the 890 Paratrooper Battalion at the Tel Nof base in January 1954. Despite its short tenure, the unit left an indelible mark on the IDF, instilling values of commitment, camaraderie, courage, and flawless execution of tasks. Chief of Staff Moshe Dayan praised Unit 101 as a model for other IDF units, recognizing its tangible impact on practical warfare.

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“And for the new year… I hereby express my blessing to him and to all who belong to him, a good writing and signature blessing for a good and sweet year physically and spiritually.”

One of the most influential and fascinating figures in Jewish life of the 20th century, The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s influence extended far beyond the boundaries of Chabad. His path and spiritual teachings remain a guiding torch, illuminating our journey.

Printed on a typewriter on the Rebbe’s official letterhead, and signed with Yad Kadesh’s signature.

Sent to Rabbi Meir Kharlov in Ramat Gan:

The post “Shena Tova” Letter From The Lubavitcher Rebbe – Elul 1957 Brooklyn, New York, “Days of Forgiveness” first appeared on VINTAGE ISRAELI POSTERS.

The post Hand Signed Ze’ev Jabotinsky Original Rare Type Letter 11 November 1929 and Postcard first appeared on VINTAGE ISRAELI POSTERS.

Letter from Weizmann September 1, 1932, to Zionist journalist Aron G. Hermoni (1884-1960).

Translation From German:

“I thank you for your letter which reached me here. I read the second paragraph with great interest. Of course, you will be decried a ‘traitor,’ but that does not change the truth of what you have spoken. You are quite right with the idea for a good French-Jewish newspaper, I will try to see how I can help now in that matter. I do not have control over funds of this nature, but I will give the Plan serious thought. I hope to be in Paris on the 20th of the month (Hotel George V). Perhaps you will have the great kindness to call me on the morning of the 20th. Then we can set a time to have a discussion; maybe we can attract some of our Paris friends. I am staying in Paris for only two days, but that is enough for a discussion. In the meantime, I send you my warmest regards…”

After teaching chemistry at the University of Geneva, Weizmann moved to England and joined Manchester University. There, he formed the Manchester School, a group of Zionists dedicated to spreading information about Zionism through publications. As president of the Jewish Agency for Palestine and the World Zionist Organization, Weizmann played a key role in persuading the British cabinet to endorse a Jewish settlement in Palestine.

‘Les Juifs’ (The Jews), a historically significant French Jewish journal, holds a special place among the Jewish journalistic efforts to counter the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe and France. It emerged in 1933 amid the rise of the Nazi Party to power and found crucial support from Chaim Weizmann.

The letter is a response to Hezroni’s requests for help in funding the paper. Weizmann acknowledged the journal’s importance: ‘You are quite right with the idea for a good French-Jewish newspaper.’ Although immediate resources were scarce, he stated, ‘I do not have control over funds of this nature, but I will give the plan serious thought.’ Despite challenges, Weizmann committed to exploring avenues and arranged a meeting in Paris to craft a comprehensive plan. Not long after, the journal was established.

This rare letter from Weizmann in 1932 serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of individuals like him, who recognized the importance of establishing new platforms for expression and activism against the anti-Semitic rise in Europe.

Weizmann wrote our letter in blue ink from the Catalonian Hotel Estrach. Lightly folded and creased. In very fine condition.

The post WEIZMANN, CHAIM Israel’s first President Rare Autograph Signed Letter – Support The Jewish journal ‘Les Juifs’ 1932 first appeared on VINTAGE ISRAELI POSTERS.

“Dear comrade, You don’t need any special documents. It is hard to get any during this time and it is not safe to keep them. When time and occasion comes, you can simply state that you are a Zionist, we know each other rather well and share common beliefs. You may also show my letters. I think all of that will be enough for you to be welcomed. Best regards, Labor Zion…” Signature

TRUMPELDOR, JOSEPH Born in Pyatigorsk in the North Caucasus, Trumpeldor abandoned his training as a dentist to join the Russian army in 1902, losing an arm during the Russo-Japanese War. He quickly returned to active duty but was taken prisoner by the Japanese. After regaining his freedom, he became the most decorated Jewish soldier in the Russian army and the first Jew to be offered an officer’s commission. However, because of his disability, Trumpeldor resigned from the military to study law. Increasingly interested in Zionism’s goal of establishing a Jewish homeland, Trumpeldor, in 1911, immigrated to Palestine (Erez Israel), then part of the Ottoman Empire, where he lived and worked on several collective farms, while helping defend Jewish settlements in the Lower Galilee.

With the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Trumpeldor, as a Russian subject, became an enemy alien in Ottoman Palestine and was deported to Egypt where he organized his fellow deportees into a military organization to assist the British in liberating Palestine from the Ottomans. The next year Trumpeldor established the Zion Mule Corps or Jewish Legion, part of the 38th and 42nd Battalions of Royal Fusiliers. Most Jewish volunteers were deployed to the Dardanelles during the Gallipoli Campaign, fighting heroically against the Turks, after which they returned to Egypt and disbanded in 1916.

To persuade the Russian army to form Jewish regiments to liberate Palestine from Ottoman control, Trumpeldor returned to Russia in June 1917, in the chaotic months between the February and October Revolutions and five months before the Balfour Declaration. After briefly winning permission, the plan was cancelled when Russia concluded a peace treaty with Germany in January 1918. By that time, Russia had descended into civil war, with the Bolshevik Red Army fighting the anti-communist White Army and rival revolutionaries. The protracted instability, which included worsening violence against Russian Jews, especially by the White Army which, during the “White Terror” executed more than a hundred thousand Jewish peasants, lasted until 1923. It was in this dangerous atmosphere that Trumpeldor helped establish the He-Halutz movement in Russia, preparing young Jewish settlers for relocation to Palestine. He was elected chairman of He-Halutz in 1919 and, in the same year, returned to Palestine where he proposed the immigration of 10,000 Russian-Jewish soldiers to British-occupied Palestine.

On March 1, 1920, the Jewish farming village of Tel Hai in the Upper Galilee’s Hulah Valley, came under attack by Shiite gangs from neighboring Lebanon who were searching for French soldiers. Anticipating trouble, a militia led by Trumpeldor and organized by the Jewish defense organization, Hashomer, arrived and a skirmish broke out resulting in casualties on both sides, including the fatally wounded Trumpeldor, who had been shot in the stomach. His last words were reported to have been, “Never mind, it is good to die for our country” (“Ein davar, tov lamut be’ad artzeinu”) an expression in Israel that became as famous as Nathan Hale’s, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country” is in the United States. Trumpeldor remains, to this day, one of Israel’s greatest military heroes. The northern Israeli town of Kiryat Shemona, literally, “Town of the Eight,” was so named to honor the eight who died at Tel Hai.

Written in Trumpeldor’s small, precise hand on a sheet of graph paper. Normal wear, though the last letters of Trumpeldor’s name are light. Very rare. [indexhistory] [indexJudaica]

The post Rare Zionism Autograph Letter Joseph Trumpeldor on the Danger to Zionists During the Russian Civil War 1918 first appeared on VINTAGE ISRAELI POSTERS.

The original text of Menachem Begin’s historic speech 1948

A rare article written and printed and signed by Menachem Begin in 1948 for Irgun soldiers who joined the Israel Defense Forces immediately after the Altalena affair
2 pages pamphlet that was distributed to Irgun soldiers  1948
The pamphlet was written and broadcast on Herut Radio by Menachem Begin also published in the Herut newspaper on September 2, 1948.

In the same army of liberation which raised the miracle of rebellion against the British enslaver and did not remove it except with the departure of the enslaver. And please do not face it, my brother, if not everyone acknowledges the same basic fact. The greatest truth in history is, that the truth is stronger than a lie, that the truth always wins, even if its victory is delayed […] they did not claim the individual’s credit for everything that was achieved during and after the rebellion. No, we are not claiming a monopoly. Other elements, too, have many rights in rebellion, in battle, in the building. Indeed, this is the difference between us. We do not deny the rights of others; They are trying to get our rights out of the history of our time. ”
In the last paragraph, Begin refers, albeit not explicitly, to one of the painful events during the War of Independence – the shelling of the ship “Altalena” by IDF forces: “I was told that you are good soldiers, I was happy. But this is nothing but natural. You can be nothing but good soldiers […] I know, because you will not miss your place on any front, even after what happened. You were in the Negev, you stood valiantly against the onslaught of the enemy. ”
The letter was published in the Herut newspaper on September 2, 1948.

מנחם בגין, “מכתב לחיילי האומה ומשחרריה” – חוזר משוכפל – 1948
“מכתב לחיילי האומה ומשחרריה” מאת מנחם בגין – חוזר משוכפל. [1948].
המכתב פונה לחיילי האצ”ל, אשר עם תום המנדט ועזיבת הבריטים את ארץ ישראל הצטרפו לשורות צה”ל: “במשך שנים אחרונות שרתתם בצבא היסוד של הצבא העברי, שרתתם באותו צבא השחרור שהרים את נס המרד נגד המשעבד הבריטי ולא הורידוהו אלא עם צאת המשעבד. ואל נא באפכם, אחי, אם לא הכול מודים באותה עובדת היסוד. האמת הגדולה ביותר בהיסטוריה היא, שהאמת חזקה מכזב, שהאמת תמיד מנצחת, אף אם מתמהמה נצחונה […] לא טענו לזכות היחיד על כל מה שהושג בשנות המרד ובעקבותיו. לא, אין אנו טוענים למונופולין. גם גורמים אחרים, רבות זכויותיהם גם במרד, גם בקרב, גם בבנין. אכן, זהו ההבדל בינינו. אנחנו את זכויותיהם של האחרים איננו מכחישים; הם את זכויותינו מנסים להוציא מספר ההיסטוריה של תקופתנו.”
בפסקה האחרונה מתייחס בגין, אם כי לא באופן מפורש, לאחד האירועים הכאובים בימי מלחמת העצמאות – הפגזת האונייה “אלטלנה” בידי כוחות צה”ל: “נמסר לי כי חיילים טובים אתם, שמחתי. אך אין הדבר אלא טבעי. לא תוכלו להיות אלא חיילים טובים […] אני יודע, כי לא נפקד מקומכם בשום חזית, גם אחרי שקרה מה שקרה. הייתם בנגבה, עמדתם בגבורה מול האויב המסתער.”
המכתב התפרסם בעיתון “חרות”, ב-2.9.1948.

Download the complete 1948 newspaper

Herut newspaper Menachem Begin Address to the Soldiers and Liberators of the Nation 1948

The post Extremely Rare Document Menachem Begin – Address to “the Soldiers and Liberators of the Nation” 1948 first appeared on VINTAGE ISRAELI POSTERS.