_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:

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The Collection Items:

Items 1-9: Original photographs from Israel and Germany

Item 10: Exodus 1947: Early booklet by Daphne Trevor, featuring pictures, published by Palestine and the Middle East in 1947, in English.

Item 11: “Manic Alarm for Illegal Immigrants!”

This message was broadcast by the Exodus during its attack by the British Navy. It was printed as a special edition of “The Observer” newspaper on the day of the event July 18, 1947

Items 13-15: Three original certificates were issued in the Pappendorf displaced persons camp to the exodus refugees after forcefully returning to Germany. Two of these certificates are complete with a passport photo, while one is blank.  These certificates were specifically issued to prevent disperse during transit between camps. From the fear of potential surveillance by the British authorities, the certificates intentionally omitted any identifying information, with the exception of the passport photo.

Item 16: Issue 6-7 of Palestine and Middle East monthly, featuring the Exodus on the cover (June-July 1947), in English.

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“It is very thoughtful for you to call me to wish me a Happy Birthday. Thank you for your kind thoughts. Yoram Sheffi Sheftel is the young lawyer who raised a petition in 1971 of law students, Law teacher,s and Law Professors on my behalf.

He asked my permission to intercede with Burg (Yosef Burg then the Israeli Minister of Internal Affairs) to permit me to visit Israel, permission is granted if it isn’t recalled and health permits I intend to visit Israel at the end of October.

You made mention of publicity pertaining to me, I would appreciate to hear something more definite about my visa. I would hate to find myself travelling to Israel and then not being permitted to enter. It was good to hear that you are well and your family are well.

What was become of that fellow who was to get me permission to come to Israel. He was from Australia.

If you cell never charges. all the best to all of you.

Shalom

Meyer”

This letter from Lansky to Yosef Sheiner, a respected figure in the Israeli Mossad and his close friend, is steeped in fascinating history. It offers a rare, personal glimpse into Lansky’s attempts to visit Israel, his interactions with Yoram Sheftel, and his profound, lasting connection to the Israeli state. This letter serves as a window into the complex identity and hidden motives of the most famous Jewish gangster of all time. To this day he continues to resonate in popular culture, evident in the numerous fictional characters inspired by him.

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Lansky, Meyer. Autograph letter signed (“Meyer”), 1.5 pages (8 x 10 in.; 203 x 254 mm.), separate sheets, [Miami], 2 April 1975, written “To Yushki”, his friend Joseph Sheiner, a member of the Israeli Security Agency. Two loose-leaf holes at right edge; staple holes in upper right corners; verso of second page is toned.

Meyer Lansky writes a friend that he is pleased that the federal prosecutor “that set out to frame me” has been “fired … He may have violated the law in his zealous attempt to prosecute people…”

Lansky writes in part: No doubt the big talk in Israel as in U.S. is Kissinger. His failure in the negotiations doesn’t bring any of us joy but peace at his price hadn’t anything to offer for the future. We know Mr. Kissinger much better now. I could never understand what he and Nixon called peace in Vietnam; it was as plain as the nose on your face, that N.V. was going to take over. Why we still want to back this load of grafters in the S.V. I will never understand. I wish the attack on S.V. didn’t occur right now it would be better for us if this didn’t exist…This article should interest you. This is the District Attorney that set out to frame me. He is the one who had my picture over his desk. I asked Dave to ask McMillan for a picture of him, I have a good place to put it. He is fired but he will be given a chance to resign although he may have violated the law in his zealous attempt to prosecute people…Shalom Meyer

Meyer Lansky went to Israel in 1970 to avoid federal prosecution on charges of tax evasion. In December, he requested Israeli citizenship under Israel’s Law of Return which gives any Jew the right to be granted Israeli citizenship. However, it denies citizenship to a Jew “with a criminal past, likely to endanger the public welfare.” In March 1971, Lansky was charged with being involved in a conspiracy to skim from the Flamingo Hotel, his old Las Vegas venture with Bugsy Siegel, and was ordered to appear before a grand jury in Miami. He stayed in Israel. In May, Lansky’s U.S. passport was revoked and in September, his application for Israeli citizenship was denied. “Meyer Lansky v. the State of Israel” was heard before the Israeli Supreme Court and on 11 September 1972, the court ruled unanimously against Lansky. After trying to find refuge outside the United States with Sheiner’s help – he was with Lansky on his 36-hour flight seeking asylum – on 7 November 1972, Meyer Lansky returned to Miami and was promptly arrested by FBI agents aboard the plane. The 28 March 1975 article Meyer Lansky sent Yushki about McMillan is present. The banner headline right under “The Miami Herald” masthead: “Dade Crime Strike Chief Shifted.” Dougald McMillan had headed the Justice Department’s Organized Crime Strike Force in Miami since 1969. Because of recent disclosures about tactics McMillan had used in his intelligence-gathering effort aimed at Miami public officials suspected of corruption, McMillan was being transferred to Washington. The article mentions Lansky: “It was McMillan who in 1973 obtained a contempt conviction against Lansky for the aging mobster’s refusal to appear before a grand jury – only to have the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reverse it…”

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