Keren Hayesod

Keren Hayesod
State Medal, 5730-1970

Keren Hayesod, the United Israel Appeal, was established as the chief financial instrument of the Zionist Organization to finance its activities in developing the country. Following the Balfour Declaration, the Zionist Congress held in London in July 1920, decided to establish the fund by means of which it was hoped to mobilize the financial participation of world Jewry in the economic development of Palestine. With the establishment of the State, the proceeds of the Foundation Fund were directed towards a wide range of Zionist goals such as immigration and absorption, settlement, development of water resources as well as towards industrial investments; electricity, shipping etc. In time, many of these functions were taken over by the Government and Keren Hayesod was left to concentrate upon aiding immigrants, absorption, and financing of the Zionist Organization's activities abroad.

Obverse: In the center, an elliptical emblem of the Keren Hayesod jubilee, surrounded by a decorative design. Around the emblem "Keren Hayesod Jubilee, 5680-5730, 1920-1970" in Hebrew and English.

Reverse: In the center, a group of men and women, crowded inside a small boat, depicting immigration. Above, in a semicircle, a continuous frieze of houses, a farmstead and school buildings showing the role of Keren Hayesod in absorbing the immigrants. Beneath, in a semicircle, the inscription: "United Israel Appeal" in Hebrew and English.

Edge: The State emblem and the words "State of Israel" in Hebrew and English. The silver medals bear "Sterling" in English and "Silver 935" in Hebrew. The gold medals bear "G 916.6".

Serialization: All the medals are numerically serialized. Bronze numbers to 6996, 144 have been melted. Silver numbered to 4000, 10 have been melted. Gold numbered to 1704, 59 have been melted.

Designer: Obverse - Zelig Segal. Reverse - Yitzhak Pugacz.

Engraving: Moshe Nov.

Mint: Silver 45mm - Hecht 250 from 2999 to 3248 have been minted in which obverse and reverse are exchanged.