Aviation

Aviation
Official Award Medal, 5746-1986

From time immemorial it was the dream of mankind to take wing and soar through the skies. Today, flight has become a part of our daily existence, and the air lanes have become as familiar as our local streets. The State of Israel may well take pride in its myriad accomplishments in the field of aviation, and in its sophisticated aircraft. The Israel Airports Authority is responsible for the operation and development of eight airports - Ben Gurion (in Lod), Eilat, Atarot (in Jerusalem), Mahanaim (in Rosh Pina), Sde Dov (in Tel Aviv), Herzliah, Haifa, and Beersheva; a landing field in Mitzpe Ramon; and the civil air traffic system throughout the country. A primary concern of the Authority is assuring the safety and security of air travellers, both on the ground and in the air. This year marks the Fiftieth Anniversary of Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel's largest airport, which employs 1,250 people. Last year 3.3 million passengers on 22,600 international flights were served there.

Obverse: The Ben-Gurion Airport Control Tower, the words "Israel Airports Authority" in Hebrew and in English, and the Authority's logo.

Reverse: Takeoff and landing runways and an airplane, against a background of a radar network, and the quotation "They lifted their wings and rose from the ground" (Ezekiel 10.16).

Edge: The symbol of the Corporation, its initials IGCMG, silver/935 and a serial number.

Designer: Obverse - David Ben-Hador Reverse - Ruth Lubin

Mint: The Government Mint