Hanukka Lamp (″Hanukkiya″) from Holland

Hanukka Lamp from Holland
Hanukka Coin 5736-1975

The tenth of the Hanukka coins was struck as a reminder of the great past of the Jewish community of Holland, and to recall their tragic martyrdom. One of the oldest communities in Europe, the flourishing Jewry of Holland reached the peak of its culture and material prosperity in the 16th and 17th centuries. Amsterdam became the center of religious learning for the entire Sephardic dispersion. The two congregations, the Portugese and the Ashkenazi, enjoyed complete freedom in the conduct of their daily affairs. In the 19th and 20th centuries the number of Jews in Holland increased as a result of immigration from eastern Europe. The Zionist movement grew in strength, in the period between the two World Wars, mostly among the young people. With the conquest of Holland by Germany in May 1940 the Jewish fate was sealed. Of over 110,000 Dutch Jews who were deported to concentration camps only 5,450 survived. Another 21,674 were saved by Dutch gentiles who gave them shelter at great personal risk.

Obverse:
In the center, the face value "10 Lirot" in Hebrew and the word "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English. Below, the mint year "5736-1975".

Reverse:
In the center a relief depicting an 18th century lamp from Holland. It is part of the collection of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. In a crown-shaped pentagonal depression are two figures dressed in clothes of the Rococo period. The craftsmanship is characteristic of the area and the period. Below is the Hebrew inscription: "18th century Hanukka lamp from Holland".

Edge:
The B.U. coins are smooth. The proof coins are milled.

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

Designer:
The Shamir Brothers.

Mint:
Israel Government Mint, Jerusalem.