Jewish Volunteers in the British Forces

Jewish Volunteers in the British Forces
State Medal, 5735-1975

About a million and a half Jews served in the Allied Forces during the Second World War. However, the 35,000 Jewish volunteers from Palestine-Israel serving in the British Forces, fulfilled a unique national service as representatives of the Hebrew State in the making.
Following a protracted struggle with the British Government "The Brigade" was established in 1944 - A Jewish Fighting Unit - its emblem included the Star of David. The Unit participated in the battles of the "Eighth Army". Its members extended aid to the survivors of the holocaust and played an important role in organizing "escape routes" and clandestine immigration.

The volunteer movement was nothing less than a reflection of Jewish valour, Jewish honor, Jewish redemption and independence. The graves of its 1706 casualties can be found from the Persian Gulf to Tripolitania, from Ethiopia to Northern Italy, forming the milestones along the many roads leading to the establishment of the State of Israel.

Obverse
In the center the verse: "Here am I, send me" (Isaiah 8:1) in Hebrew and English, and the Israeli flag raised on high. The inscription on the rim: "The Yishuv's Volunteers in the British Forces, 1939-1946" in Hebrew and English.

Reverse
In the center: "If a man means to kill you strike first" (Talmud Brachot 62). The Hebrew letters "chaf" and "lamed" appear like swords opposing each other. On the rim, the English translation of the above. On the right, the yellow badge forced on the Jews of Europe by the Germans.

Edge
The State emblem and the words: "State of Israel" in Hebrew and in English. The silver medal bears "Silver 935" in Hebrew and "Sterling" in English.

Serialization
All the medals are numbered. Bronze - numbered to 5000. 1061 were melted, 1 not minted. Silver 37mm -6000 numbered. 270 were melted.

Designer
Rothschild and Lippman ("Roli").

Engraving
Kretschmer.

Mint
Bronze and silver 59mm - Kretschmer.
Silver 37mm - Israel Government Mint, Jerusalem.