Lehi 50th Anniversary

Lehi 50th Anniversary
Official Award Medal, 5752-1992

The Lochamei Herut Yisrael (Fighters for the Freedom of Israel), known by its Hebrew acronym Lehi, was founded in 1940 by Avraham Stern (code named: Yair) and those members of the Etzel underground organization who opposed Etzel's policy of suspending struggle against British rule during World War II. Lehi continued this struggle. On February 12,1942, the British located Yair's hideout and he was killed. This was a serious setback to Lehi. Half a year later, Yitzhak Shamir reconstituted the organization and renewed the struggle. Many Lehi members were killed and detained by the British. Lehi joined the Israel Defense Forces with the establishment of the State.

Obverse: Right half - in Hebrew: "50 years"; in English along circumference: "50 YEARS•FIGHTERS FOR THE FREEDOM OF ISRAEL•F.F.I.". Left half - in Hebrew: 'Lochamei Herut Yisrael"; along circumference at bottom: "1940-1990 5701-5751".

Reverse: Portrait of Yair Stern; to the right, "5668-5702 1907-1942"; Around the circumference, in Hebrew on right and in English on left, "AVRAHAM STERN-YAIR-FOUNDER OF F.F.I.".

Edge: IGCMC emblem with initials "I.G.C.M.C." in Hebrew to the right and in English to the left, with serial number.

Serialization: All medals are numbered.

Designer: Dov Cohen.

Engraving: Kretschmer.

Mint: Kretschmer.