_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.

The post Unit 101 Original Photography COLLECTION first appeared on VINTAGE ISRAELI POSTERS.

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.

The post “EXODUS” COLLECTION first appeared on VINTAGE ISRAELI POSTERS.