Liberation of Eilat, 50th Anniversary

50th Anniversary of the Liberation of Eilat
Official Award Medal offered to the Public, 1999/5759

Eilot, the biblical Eilat, was a way station for nomads crossing the deserts of Israel. During the time of King Solomon trade ships sailed from this port to Ophir and Tarshish. The city, located on an important cross-roads, was controlled by the Nabateans, the Romans, and the Byzantines. The crusaders built a fortress on the Coral Island, which was subsequently controlled by the Mamelukes and the Ottomans.
On March 10, 1949, during Operation "Ovdah", soldiers of Israel's Negev and Golani Brigades captured Eilat and hoisted the famous "ink flag", which was an improvised flag, while no proper flag was available. This marked the completion of the liberation of the entire Negev region.
An official medal has been issued, marking the 50th anniversary of Israel's southernmost city – a city flooded in sunshine and booming with international tourism.

Obverse:
A soldier waving the "ink flag". To the right, "Eilat 50" in Hebrew and beneath the years 1949-1999, 5709-5759 (in Hebrew characters) and "Eilat" in English.

Reverse:
A shoal of fish and the sun shining above them, two significant motifs associated with Eilat. Around the border, the Hebrew verse from right to left, "King Solomon made a ship in Ezion-Gever, which is beside Elot, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the Land of Edom" and reference, (Kings I, 9:26).

Edge: Corporation Initials "I.G.C.M.C. ח.מ.מ.מ." , metal "Bronze" in Hebrew and English and serial number.

Designer: Ana Moore