Representing Israel at the Jakarta stamp championship in Indonesia

At the opening ceremony, I had the honor to be introduced to Dr. Fadli Zon, president of the Indonesian Philatelic Association and a member of the Indonesian Parliament. I was wearing my kippa when he welcomed me, and he asked if I knew various members of the Knesset whom he had previously met.

Indonesia 2022 was essentially a world stamp championship exhibition, under the patronage of the Federation International de Philatelie and the auspices of the Federation of Inter Asian Philately.

In the bulletin, catalog and website, my picture appears under “Israel,” and I was formally introduced as the commissioner from Israel.

I brought seven exhibits from philatelists all over Israel. The exhibits were varied and included Verses of the Bible, Intelligence Services, Tour of Jerusalem, Old Letters from Jerusalem, Israeli POW Mail, and Postal Labels of Israel.

This is the first time that Israeli-themed exhibits were shown in Indonesia. I really did not know what to expect and how the exhibits would be received, but my fears were allayed when many schoolchildren and their teachers approached my wife and me and asked if they could take photos and videos and even interview us.

We were asked if we could explain the Tour of Jerusalem exhibit at which the children had marveled. The exhibit belonging to Paulo Duek comprised 80 pages of postcards and stamps depicting the history of Jerusalem and highlighting the three monotheist religions – Judaism, Islam and Christianity – and showcasing the old city and modern Jerusalem.

The children were fascinated to see stamps and postcards of the Dome of the Rock. For many people, Jerusalem is considered the center of the universe, and according to several sources Jerusalem means city of peace. For many Indonesians unfortunately, their only view of Jerusalem is one of violence that is portrayed via the media. But now they were exposed to picture postcards and stamps of Arabs, Jews and Christians mingling together, whether it be at Mahaneh Yehuda market or the Arab shuk.

There were beautiful views of the different neighborhoods, historic monuments and buildings, arts and culture from the different world-class museums, sports and culture, and the magnificent and breathtaking views of the city, but the highlight for my wife and I was when I showed stamps and postcards of Jerusalem blanketed in snow. They were delighted because they had never seen snow before. We were overwhelmed with the questions the children had asked about Jerusalem, and their genuine desire to one day visit the Holy City.

Although this exhibit did not receive a gold medal at the award ceremony, which was held at the Indonesian Parliament building, the exhibit melted everyone’s heart. The warmth and hospitality we received will be fondly remembered.