The Revolt

The Revolt - 40 Years since the 1944 Revolt
Official Award Medal, 5745 -1984

On the 1st of February 1944, the High Command of the National Military Organization (The Ezel) published its announcement of revolt, declaring "War to the very end" on British rule in the Land of Israel. Following this, the underground began an armed struggle which was to continue for four years, until the establishment of the State of Israel, and this included attacks on Government offices, police stations, military camps and airfields, among them the bomb attack on the civilian and military headquarters in the King David Hotel in Jerusalem. The authorities reacted by imprisoning and arresting the fighters and those who supported them, expelling them from the country, imposing curfews, setting up detention camps in the towns, and even by sentencing people to death by hanging.

Obverse: The words, "40th Anniversary of the Declaration of the Revolt", the dates; 7th of Shevat 5704-1.2.1944. Intertwined with these words is the Ezel emblem, and beneath, the Year of Valour's symbol and the words, "EZEL Congress" ("National Military Organization Congress") in Hebrew, which was held to commemorate the event.

Reverse: The words "Take up arms and fire", taken from Ezel mentor Ze'ev Jabotinsky's poem, 'Betar', and below it, the Betar emblem and the words "Israel's 35th Independence day", in Hebrew.

Edge: The Corporation's emblem, and its initials: IGCMC - in Hebrew and English, and serial number.

Designer: Ruth Lubin.

Mint: Moshe Hecht.