War of Independence

'Not just history': Belongings of Gush Etzion heroes to be publicly displayed for first time

The traveling exhibit is part of a new educational initiative led by the Gush Etzion Regional Council to deepen the study of the area's history in schools.

The hat of Moshe Silberschmidt, the last commander of Gush Etzion, and the wool sweater of Palmach fighter and combat medic Uriel Ofek, April 21, 2026.
Makeshift pistol built by 16-year-old Uzi Aharoni in 1948, to be displayed at the HaEmek Museum in the Galilee, northern Israel, April 21, 2026.

Makeshift pistol from Israel's War of Independence to be displayed at Ha'emek Museum for first time

IDF Private Dov Permat who was killed in battle in the Malkiya area in 1948

IDF recovers remains of soldier killed in War of Independence after 78 years

Female combat paramedic soldiers stationed at their army base in Be’eri, just a few kilometers from the Gaza border.

'Bravery never belonged to one gender': Israel's female combat legacy preserved in Ashkelon


Can Zionism adapt to the needs of the future? - opinion

On Israel's 75th birthday, then, let us learn from our past and look forward toward a new future.

 THE ISRAEL Air Force trains for Israel’s 75th Independence Day, in Jerusalem this past week.

Israel Independence Day: The Phoenix Nation survives, inspires - opinion

At this moment of American despair, division and distrust, celebrating Israel’s 75th anniversary can inspire Americans.

 THEN-DEFENSE minister Moshe Dayan surveys the western side of the Suez Canal with Maj.-Gen. Ariel Sharon, in October 1973. When Egypt and Syria surprised Israel on Yom Kippur, Dayan feared destruction.

Israel Independence Day: A pile on of miracles - opinion

Any one of these occurrences strains the imagination, but each really happened. How all of these collectively culminated in the rebirth of the Jewish state seems impossible.

 THEN-US PRESIDENT Harry S. Truman is joined by his wife Bess and daughter Margaret in this photo from 1951. President Truman viewed himself as the Cyrus of modern Israel.

Compass belonging to Independence War fighters found at battlefield

In the battle of the Lamed Heh, all 35 fighters who were on their way to help the besieged Gush Etzion were killed.

 A compass, bullet shells, a button and a grenade pin found on the battle hill.

Remembering Israel's fallen heroes who died defending Kfar Etzion

Two young men from South Africa couldn't be more different. But they both died together in Kfar Etzion fighting for Israel.

 CHATSI WITH South African donors during the construction of Ulam Avraham.

Which American Jews helped establish Israel?

The American Jews who secretly left the United States to fight for Israel in 1948 and 1949 were moved to place their lives on the line to assure that Israel would survive

 An ad published in the US on May 28, 1948, calling to support Jewish soldiers fighting to keep the State of Israel alive.

Jordan offers 'sins of the Nakba' tours in west Jerusalem

Israeli security officials were surprised when they heard about the trips that are being carried out just a few hundred meters from the Prime Minister's residence.

Nakba day in Gaza

Garden dedicated in Gush Etzion to independence war POWs' memory

On the 74th anniversary of the release of the POWs by Jordan, a garden was dedicated in their memory.

 Ceremony commemorating the release of POW's from Jordan after the war of Independence.

What is a visit to the Valley Forge like?

From reading about Valley Forge I learned that the huts had been reconstructed according to the specifications Washington gave his troops.

 THE NATIONAL Memorial Arch at Valley Forge.

On this day: First ever election to the Knesset held in 1949

David Ben-Gurion won the elections and became Israel's first prime minister and Chaim Weizmann became Israel's first president.

 The Knesset building, home of Israel's legislature, in Jerusalem, on November 14, 2022 (Illustrative).