Love thy Neighbor as Thyself

Love thy Neighbor as Thyself
Independence Day Coin 2000/5760 52nd Anniversary

This coin highlights one of the most important principles of Judaism and mankind, "Loving one's neighbor as oneself". Rabbi Akiva, the great Jewish Sage of Talmudic times, used to say that "to love one's neighbor as oneself" was the essence of the Torah, of Jewish Law, and this principle has become one of the basic mottos of humanity.

Obverse: Face value in Hebrew and English within an arched shape, complementing the arched gateway on the reverse, Israel State Emblem, "Israel" in English, Hebrew and Arabic and inscription "INDEPENDENCE DAY 2000" in Hebrew and English.

Reverse: An ancient gateway, combining oriental and western-style and motifs. Looking closely at the patterns of the gateway, one can distinguish a Star of David and grape vine. The arched top of the gateway is inscribed with the words "Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself". The same words in Hebrew form part of the design, below, center, within the gateway itself . The translation into Arabic is inscribed around the lower border, . Two doves in flight within the archway of the gate symbolize peace and harmony. The gateway is symbol of the passageway to a better world in which peace and harmony reign and the yearning of humanity to enter it.

Edge: Silver Prooflike Coin: Smooth Silver Proof and Gold Coin: Milled

Mint Marks: Silver Prooflike Coin – Star of David Silver Proof and Gold Coin – Hebrew letter "Mem"

Designer: Galia Erez

Plaster Models: Tidhar Dagan

Dies: Dutch Mint

Mint: Dutch Mint