Jerusalem, The Knesset

The Knesset
State Medal, 5731 -1971

At the very height of the War of Independence, the people were called upon to elect 120 representatives and on February 14th, 1949 the first session of Israel's Legislature - the Knesset - was called to order, in temporary quarters. The corner stone for a permanent home for the Knesset was set in 1958 on a high and rugged hill in the western part of Jerusalem. Jerusalem the capital, was designated as the seat of the State of Legislature in the "Knesset Law - Shevat 22, 5718". The law stipulated that among its major functions, the Knesset shall: make laws, approve the Cabinet and scrutinize its work, elect the State President, approve the State budget and appoint the State Comptroller.

Obverse: The Knesset edifice rising on a hill in the western part of the city and the inscription "the Knesset" in Hebrew and English. The design of the 70mm and of the 34mm medal differs somewhat from the others.

Reverse: A stylized picture of United Jerusalem, its main buildings standing out. The inscription "Jerusalem" in Hebrew and English.

Edge: The State emblem and the words "State of Israel" in Hebrew and English. The silver medals bear "Sterling" in English and "Silver 935" in Hebrew. The gold medals have "G 91 6.6".

Serialization: All the medals are numbered. Bronze 59mm have been numbered to 2,000 of which 92 were not minted. Silver 59mm have been numbered to 5600 of which 3 have not been minted and 20 have been melted. Designer Jacob Zim.

Designer: Jacob Zim

Engraving: Kretschmer - 35, 45, 59mm diameter. Moshe Nov - 70mm.

Mint: Kretschmer - All medals of 35, 45, 59mm Hecht -Tombac 70 mm.