Brotherhood in Jerusalem

"Brotherhood in Jerusalem Capital of Israel" 5737-1977
Israel's 29th Anniversary of Independence Coin

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, may they that love thee prosper. Peace be within thy walls and prosperity within thy palaces." Psalms 122:6-7.
In Jerusalem, three faiths are associated in their concern for this unique city. For Jews it has been sacred for more than three thousand years; for Christians, two thousand years and for Moslems, for more than one thousand years. Jerusalem brings together and unites all those who believe in it and its sanctified tradition. In November 1949, Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion announced the transfer of the Government's offices to Jerusalem and proclaimed Jerusalem the capital of Israel. He stated, "that everything has been arranged to facilitate the catering for the religious needs of all the different faiths in Jerusalem". Following the Six Day War, the Government announced that Israeli law would henceforth apply to East Jerusalem. The heads of the various religious communities were advised that the Knesset, Israel's Parliament, had passed a special law assuring freedom of worship and access to the holy places.

Obverse: The face value "25 Lirot" in Hebrew on the silver coin, "500 Lirot" on the gold coin. The emblem of the State of Israel, "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English. The mint year "5737-1977".

Reverse: An artistic depiction of some of the outstanding buildings of Jerusalem of the three monotheistic religions, surrounded by the wall of the Old City, as if carried on the wings of a dove. Around the border, the words "Brotherhood in Jerusalem, Capital of Israel" in Hebrew and English.

Edge: "29th Year of the State of Israel" facing the obverse

Mint Marks: On the obverse of the B.U. coin the Star of David, and on the obverse of the proof coin the Hebrew letter "Mem", in the lower border to the left.

Designer: Asaf Berg.

Mint: Israel Government Mint, Jerusalem