Bidspirit auction | HaMagen Newspaper – “Statehood Day”

HaMagen Newspaper – “Statehood Day” Issue – May 14, 1948 - “Tonight at Midnight the British Mandate Will Expire...” – Issue of HaMagen, the newspaper of the Haganah in Jerusalem, Issue No. 5, announcing the end of the British Mandate and the establishment of the State of Israel. Published by the “Information Bureau of the Haganah, Jerusalem District.” 5 Iyar 5708, May 14, 1948. Rare. The Statehood Day issue of the Jerusalem weekly HaMagen, the organ of the Haganah in Jerusalem (the newspaper began appearing in late April 1948 as an additional means of communication alongside the “Kol HaMagen” radio station). On the front page, under the heading “Our Military Campaign, ” it states: “Only hours separate us from the moment when the British Mandate over Eretz Israel will come to an end. And from the ruins of the regime now passing away, the Hebrew state emerges and rises, coming to life...” Further on, with a clear awareness of the situation in the country at the time, it states: “With the end of the British Mandate, the Arab states threaten to invade Eretz Israel with their regular armies from all sides – from the south, the north, and the east. Great days lie ahead of us, days that may determine our entire fate and our entire future. Fateful days for the Jewish Yishuv in Eretz Israel and for the entire Jewish nation. The supreme test is approaching – let us be prepared!” The issue continues with extensive coverage of the battles in the Eastern Galilee, the victory in Safed, the third anniversary of “Victory Day” in Europe, the end of the Mandate postal service and the beginning of the Hebrew postal service, the seventh anniversary of the Palmach, the “Members Write” column, the “Mishmar HaAm” section, the illegal immigration ships, and more. 12 pages – complete issue. 36 cm. Minor tears. Good condition.