Israel Industry Centenary

Israel Industry Centenary
State Medal, 5747-1987

The first signs of Jewish industry in the Land of Israel occurred in the latter half of the 19th Century. These were mainly short-lasting trials at starting workshops. The real beginning of industry came with the opening of a factory by Leon Stein, who brought the industrial revolution to Israel. He immigrated into the country in 1887, opened a smithy in Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv, in February 1888 and, at the height of his activity, employed 150 workers. The factory became important for its production of kerosene motor pump filters, which Stein himself invented. This invention saved the Israel's citrus growing industry and greatly advanced it. The story of 100 years of Jewish industry is one of its transformation from merely fulfilling the needs of agriculture, to it becoming the central factor in the Israeli economy. Industry today is, without doubt, the principal means of economic growth. The Manufacturers' Association of Israel marks the Israel Industry Centenary and this is the subject of a new State Medal.

Obverse: Symbol of the industry centenary, the words "Israel Industry 1887-1987" in Hebrew and English.

Reverse: A cup representing the different branches of industry in Israel, pouring its contents into a tray, the symbol of the State of Israel. The verse "Labour is wisdom knowledge and skill' (Eccl.2.21) in Hebrew and English.

Edge: The words "State of Israel" in Hebrew and English. The emblem of the State of Israel.

Designer: Face - Ruben Nutels. Reverse - David Ben Hador.

Mint: Bronze medal - Kretschmer. Silver medal - The Government Mint, Jerusalem.