Aliya and Absorption

Aliya and Absorption
Independence Day Coin,1991 5751, 43rd Anniversary

Description of the coin

The Ingathering of Exiles is the main challenge facing the State of Israel. The supreme importance of this cornerstone of modern Israel found expression in the Declaration of Independence in the "Law of Return" which guarantees every Jew the right of Aliya (ascent) to Israel. The history of modern day return to Zion is replete with the fascinating exploits of the successive Aliyot which began prior to the establishment of the State. Many Jews made Aliya in order to fulfill the Messianic dream. Others were moved by the Zionist vision, while still others fled lands of oppression seeking a safe haven. By 1991, Israel had absorbed over 2 miliion immigrants. The Jewish Agency promoted Aliya, funded the transfer of Jews to Israel, and assisted in their absorption.

Obverse: Face value in Hebrew and English, 1 New Sheqel on the Silver B.U. Coin, 2 New Sheqalim on the Silver Proof Coin, 10 New Sheqalim on the Gold Coin. To the right of the face value on the Silver Coins and within the digit "0" on the Gold Coin is the Israel State emblem. Around the border, the word "ISRAEL" is inscribed in Hebrew, Arabic and English, together with the mint year, 1991 / 5751.

Reverse: Figures of immigrants descending from an airplane, around the border, the biblical quote "I WILL GATHER THEM OUT OF ALL COUNTRIES" and reference, "Jer, 32:37", in Hebrew around the upper border and in English around the lower border.

Edge: Silver Coins - "43rd Anniversary of the State of Israel" in ancient Hebrew script
Gold Coin - milled

Mint Marks:
Silver B.U. Coin - Star of David (Beneath the Israel State Emblem)
Silver Proof and Gold Coin - Hebrew letter "Mem" (Beneath the Israel State Emblem)

Designer:
Obverse - Ruben Nutels.
Reverse - Nathan Karp.
Plaster reliefs - Tidhar Dagan.

Mint:
Silver B.U. - Stuttgart Mint
Silver Proof and Gold Coin - Royal Dutch Mint