Zionist Organization of America

The Zionist Organization of America
Official Award Medal, 5737-1977

The names of many famous Jews are interwoven in the history of the Zionist Organization of America. The best known among them are the President of the Zionist Organization of America - Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, Louis Lipsky - writer and journalist; Rabbi Stephen Wise. Among the early activists of the Z.O.A. was Judah Leib Magnes, who immigrated to Palestine and became Chancellor-President of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. In 1977 the Z.O.A. held its 80th annual convention in Israel.

Obverse: On the left, the figure "80" entwined in the initials of Z.O.A. An English inscription: "National Convention Fourth in Israel July 6-13, 1977". On the right, an inscription in Hebrew: "Zionist Organization of America, the 80th National Convention - the 4th in Israel 20-27 Tamuz 5737".

Reverse: On the right, within links of a chain, the emblem of the State of Israel, and the emblem of the Z.O.A. symbolizing a link that cannot be rent asunder. On the left, the inscription in English: "Presented by the Government of Israel". Between the lines of the inscription, olive branches stand out.

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

Serialization: All medals have been numbered. Bronze - numbered 2992, 821 melted.

Designer: Obverse - Ya'akov Anidi. Reverse - The Shamir Brothers.

Engraving: Moshe Nov.

Mint: Hecht