People cheer in the street: much like they do today, in the 1950s, many Israelis went out to the streets to celebrate their state's independence. The photographs show rare sights of the early celebrations from schools in Mazkeret Batya, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv. In addition, all the photographs show Israeli citizens proudly raising their flag during the celebrations, as they do today.
Efrat Sini, Archives Manager at KKL-JNF: "In celebration of the holiday, the KKL-JNF archive is excited to share rare photographs from the first Independence Day celebrations, as well as from the swamp drainage operations, that played an important part in the building of the country. The photographs remind us of the happiness in independence and the feeling of unity that accompanied the state's foundation. KKL-JNF wishes all the citizens of Israel a happy Independence Day!
The Floating Bulldozer at the Hula. Photograph: Avraham Melavsky, KKL-JNF Photo Archive
The Hula Lake. Photograph: Inbar Shlomit-Rubin, KKL-JNF Photo Archive
Rubin Village - Drainage of the Kishon Swamps. Photograph: Zultan Kluger, KKL-JNF Photo Archive
The Hula Lake. Photograph: Inbar Shlomit-Rubin, KKL-JNF Photo Archive