Gush Etzion Regional Council

Gush Etzion Regional Council
Official Award Medal, 5741-1981

During the five years preceding the War of Independence, the following kibbutzim were established in the Etzion region: Kfar Etzion, Massuot Yitzhak, Ein Tzurim, Revadim. The Gush Etzion settlements were cut off from Jerusalem on the 27th March 1948, but they continued to hold out and defend themselves until May 14th, when Kfar Etzion was vanquished in a bloody battle. The defenders of the Gush saved Jerusalem for Israel by their stubborn fight and resistance. Following the Six Day War, Gush Etzion was resettled. A special medal was issued to mark the 13th Anniversary of Resettlement.

Obverse
The emblem of Gush Etzion - land, plants, a torah. An inscription: "Gush Etzion Regional Council" in Hebrew and "Gush Etzion" in English.

Reverse
A view of typical scenes in Gush Etzion. Above, the verse: "Go up the mountain and bring wood and build the house", Haggai 1:8. Below, the English translation.

Edge
The emblem of the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation, and its initials in Hebrew and English.

Serialization
The medals are numbered.

Designer:
Gideon Keich.

Engraving:
Moshe Nov.

Mint:
Hecht.