Hanukka Lamp (″Hanukkiya″) from Corfu

Hanukka Lamp from Corfu
Hanukka Coin 5741-1980

The fifteenth in the series of Hanukka coins depicts a 19th century Corfu lamp. The coin has been struck in memory of the Jews from the Greek Island of Corfu, who were exterminated in concentration camps during the Second World War.
In spite of the persecution suffered by Jews of Corfu at the hands of their Christian neighbors, they clung to their ancient prayers and built splendid synagogues.
Until the 19th century, Corfu was the center of etrog cultivation, and these were exported to all parts of the world for Jews to observe the commandments of the "four species" on Sukkot.
The conquest of Corfu by Germany marked the end of the Jewish community there, the greater part of which was put to death at Auschwitz.

Obverse:
The face value "1 Sheqel" in Hebrew, the Israel State Emblem below the figure "1", around the upper right-hand border, the word "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English. Around the border to the right, the mint year "1980" and corresponding Hebrew year 5741 in Hebrew characters.

Reverse:
A Hanukka lamp from Corfu within a hexagonal incuse and below it, in Hebrew "Hanukka Lamp from Corfu, 19th Century".

Edge:
The B.U. is smooth; the proof coin milled.

Mint Marks:
On the reverse of the B.U. coin, a Star of David, and on the reverse of the proof coin, the letter "mem", centered in the lower border.

Designer:
Gabriel Shamir.

Mint:
Royal Canadian Mint, Ottawa.