Rafi Nelson (1931-1988)

Nelson was a famous character in the Israeli Bohemian circles. He was arrested by the Egyptians in July 1957, on the dock of a Danish boat which crossed the Suez Canal, was imprisoned and tortured for spying for Israel. Nelson was released in August of the same year, following the intervention of the UN. In his interrogation it was discovered that he transferred military secrets to the Egyptians. He was put on trial and sentenced to conditional imprisonment for two years and a fine of £1,000. Nelson worked as a journalist and a public relations person, managed the bar "Sof HaOlam" in Eilat and later established in Taba "The Village of Rafi Nelson". This village was the focus of Bohemian life and a center of musical and cultural activities from the late 1960s until the 1980s. The image of Nelson as a "Macho", with his motorcycle and beard, made him famous all over Israel. He promoted "Budweiser" Beer. He shaved his famous beard in an advertisement for "Bono" razor blades.
26 photos of Rafi Nelson.
Most of the photos are from the 1960s and 70s, from Nelson's village, with guests and artists from Israel and from abroad. A minority of the photos is in color. The collection includes several large portraits