Opening of Direct Peace Negotiations

Direct Peace Negotiations, Israel and Neighbors
State Medal, 1991/5752

On May 14,1948, the date of Israel's renaissance as an independent state in the ancient home of its ancestors, krael proclaimed to the world: "We extend our hand to all neighboring states an their peoples in an offer of peace and good neighborliness and appeal to them to establish bonds of cooperation and mutual help with tv sovereign Jewish people settled in its own land". Thirty-one years later, Egypt answered Israel's call for peace. Today, forty-three years and six wars later, Israel's dreams of peace with all of its neighbors seem closer to realization. The opening of the Madrid Peace Talks marks a turning point in Israel's history. They could establish a better path for our peoples, our children and future generations.

Obverse: The inscription "DIRECT PEACE NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN ISRAEL AND ITS NEIGHBORS" in Hebrew, English and Arabic, from top to bottom, along with an oive branch.

Reverse: Parts of a jigsaw puzzle which are beginning to come together. Four pieces in the center carry the word 'PEACE" in Hebrew, English, Arabic and Latin.

Edge: State emblem with the words "STATE OF ISRAEL' in Hebrew on the right and in English on the left, the inscription "MADRID 31.10.91" in Hebrew and English, and serial number. Bronze/tombac medal - "BRONZE" in Hebrew and English; Silver medal - "S 999" in Hebrew and English; Gold medal - "G-750" in Hebrew and English.

Serialization: All medals are numbered.

Designer: Obverse - Gideon Keich. Reverse - Nathan Karp.

Engraving: Tidhar Dagan.

Mint: Bronze/tombac - Hecht. Gold - The Government Mint.