The Be’eri Printing Press: Israel’s Print Shop

For over seventy years, Be'eri Printers – Kibbutz Be'eri's famous printing press - has touched the lives of all of us in Israel. On October 7, many dozens of Be'eri's sons and daughters were murdered. Despite this disaster, the printing press was back in operation less than ten days later. This is the story of a pioneering project that has risen from the ashes, like a phoenix.

Lazar Zorea taking a moment to rest while working at his lead printing machine at Be'eri Printers in the 1960s. Source: 'Lines and Dots' (Kavim VeNekudot) Blog (Hebrew), Yigal Zorea (Lazar’s son)

When Levi Zrodinski (Zorea) made Aliyah to the Land of Israel from Ukraine in 1925, he could not have imagined that his vision and initiative would be realized in a kibbutz in the Negev. He couldn’t have foreseen how this small kibbutz would become a printing giant in Israel over time, turning into one of the most advanced print shops in the world.

Levi, an enthusiastic Zionist, entrepreneur and industrialist, settled in the city of Haifa and established a successful print shop there. His idealistic and daring 18-year-old son, Lazar Zorea, was one of the group of pioneers who founded Kibbutz Be’eri.

Lazar Zorea at the Be’eri print shop in the 1950s. Photo: Hanan Bahir, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

Babel Lev, co-founder of Kibbutz Be’eri and Be’eri Printers. Photo courtesy of the Kibbutz Be’eri Archive

In a clandestine operation immediately following Yom Kippur, October 6, 1946, Lazar Zorea and his pioneering friends settled 11 new locations overnight. These settlements, which included Kibbutz Be’eri, have since been called the “11 points”, and were highly significant in strengthening the Jewish population of the Negev.

Be’eri Printers in the 1950s was located in the Kibbutz’s first stone structure (center). On the right – the granary. On the left, the water tower with the menorah designed by Lazar Zorea in the kibbutz’s early days. From Yigal Zorea’s blog ‘Lines and Dots’ (*Kavim VeNekudot*) (Hebrew)

Children at Kibbutz Be’eri. Photo: Boris Carmi. From the Meitar Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

The members of the young kibbutz sought after a stable source of revenue which would provide economic security for a small community located right on Israel’s border with Gaza. Zorea, who had witnessed the success of his father’s print shop, worked with three other members to found the first print shop in the Negev desert. The idea of a print shop was very unconventional in the kibbutz movement, but Lazar and his friends insisted and the project finally came into being after many talks between the kibbutz members. Zorea’s experienced father aided and encouraged them and the same was true of the Jewish Agency. Both worked to ensure the enterprise flourished.

The original note by Buda, a Kibbutz Be’eri member, to the Jewish Agency offices in 1949, asking for aid in acquiring the initial equipment for establishing the print shop. Courtesy of Wikibbutz – Kibbutz Be’eri Archive

Print shop workers at Kibbutz Be’eri. Photo: Hanan Bahir, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

Moshka, Kibbutz Be’eri member, next to the printing press, 1950s. Courtesy of Wikibbutz – Kibbutz Be’eri Archive

Yigal Zorea, Lazar’s son, tells of how it all started, from almost nothing: “The press was in the beginning no more than an abandoned stone house with one letterpress machine, a compositor whose lead letters were bought at a discount, and a modest binding machine. They printed a few simple forms and some documents of the new state institutions in the beginning.”

One of the first documents printed at Be’eri Printers in the early 1950s – listing parts of the Kibbutz Be’eri workshop. Courtesy of Wikibbutz – Kibbutz Be’eri Archive

A Magen David Adom document, also among Be’eri Printers’ first documents printed in the 1950s. Courtesy of Wikibbutz – Kibbutz Be’eri Archive

A German newspaper reports on a visit to Kibbutz Be’eri in the 1950s: “Most of the villages also have a small industry which in case of drought or locusts can cover the deficit. There is here – in the desert! – a modern print shop, which carries out orders from around the country.” From Yigal Zorea’s blog ‘Lines and Dots’ (*Kavim VeNekudot*) (Hebrew).

Yigal tells of how, as a youth in Kibbutz Be’eri, he had a job arranging the lead letters at the print shop, before moving to work in the orchard which was considered more “prestigious.” After his military service, he continued the family tradition, and after learning graphic design at Betzalel Academy he became a part of Be’eri Press, where he worked for 50 years, leading the transition from manual to computer design as a senior designer.

A child arranges printing letters at Kibbutz Be’eri, 1975. Photo: Boris Carmi, the Meitar Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

Over the years, members of Be’eri never stopped inventing and developing new innovations, new ideas and ways to improve and increase the range of services which the print shop provided any business, company, or organization in need of its services. Thus, the print shop grew and grew, until it moved to a permanent structure which also changed and increased in size when needed. Over time, Be’eri Printers provided a livelihood for more and more residents throughout the Gaza border region.

Be’eri Printers in the 1970s. Yigal Zorea, who designed the company’s logo, describes how it was created: “With the aid of compasses and curve rulers, I drew a geometric logo representing a combination of a print roll and a paper roll, which combine to create the unique letter *bet*. I also drew the logotype (letter type for company logo) using a compass.” From the Be’eri Printers Blog (Hebrew).

But the importance of Be’eri Printers stretched far beyond this southern region of Israel. Over time, the company became Israel’s printing press. Its knowledge and technology enabled processes of economic modernization necessary for the growing country – the move from the Lira to the Shekel, the introduction of magnetic checks used by all banks, and more.

You may not be aware of it, but Be’eri Printers is an integral, daily part of the lives of all Israeli citizens and everyone living in the country: all credit cards and driver’s licenses are printed there. The same is true of all the envelopes sent to you by the banks and official state institutions. In fact, it is at Be’eri Printers that the ma’atafit – the letter printed on the envelope itself – was invented. This innovation has saved enormous amounts of paper over time.

Report on the new invention of the *ma’atafit* – a letter printed on an envelope – at Be’eri Printers. The company was awarded the Kaplan Prize as a result. Reported in Maariv, March 27, 1988, the Historical Jewish Press collection at the National Library of Israel

On the Black Sabbath of October 7, 2023, Kibbutz Be’eri suffered unspeakable losses. At least 91 of its members were slaughtered. That number is not final. Heroic battles took place among the pathways, and many areas in the beautiful kibbutz were entirely destroyed. Miraculously or thanks to good luck, the print shop structure was unharmed.

Despite the heavy mourning over the murdered kibbutz members, which has not ended, and despite the fact that there are still members missing and held in Gaza, the surviving kibbutz members decided to renew operations at the printing press as fast as possible, rather than give up on the illustrious project they created and cultivated for decades. Ben Suchman, CEO of Be’eri Printers in recent years, along with other kibbutz members, did not let the shocking news and difficult situation drag them into despair. Ten days after the massacre at their kibbutz, they declared – “Be’eri Printers is open,” and they intend to bring the print shop to full capacity.

Ben Suchman (left), present CEO of Be’eri Printers, and Naor Paktzierez, member of the board. In the background is a sign saying “We are here.” It is a sign which Yigal Zorea designed in previous wars and which was unfortunately updated for a 2023 version and hung at the entrance to Be’eri Printers. Photo from the *Tmunot Be’eri* (“Be’eri Pictures”, Hebrew) Facebook page

The current Be’eri Printers building, which has resumed operations in the last few days

Yigal and his family were among those extracted from Kibbutz Be’eri and they are currently residing at Kibbutz Ein Gedi, which is hosting many of those remaining from the Be’eri community. In a conversation with him, he shifts constantly between past and present. Every name and every event from the past of Be’eri Printers is tied to the disaster which befell the impressive, creative, and cohesive kibbutz community.

*“For us, this is home, no more, no less. And that, on its own, says it all.”* – The song *Bishvileinu Ze Bayit* (For Us, This Is Home) was written by Yigal Zorea, a graphic artist at Be’eri Printers, in honor of the 30^th anniversary of Kibbutz Be’eri’s founding in 1946. The words were put to music and the song was performed during the Kibbutz Be’eri farm festivals for many years thereafter. From the ‘Lines and Dots’ (*Kavim VeNekudot*) Blog (Hebrew)

We all hope that Be’eri Printers, which is already up and running, can once again embody the pioneering spirit at the heart of the dear community of Be’eri. This enterprise can be the vanguard of efforts to rebuild all of the kibbutzim, towns and cities of the Gaza border region. They will rise, like a phoenix, from the ashes.

–

You can support Be’eri Printers by ordering stickers, or by ordering pictures and picture albums from the “albume” website, a Be’eri Printers project. You can also visit the PIX website, another product of Be’eri Printers, where you can find different kinds of stamps, envelopes, stickers, signs, and more.

This article is part of our special series: “Life on the Border: A Tribute to the Communities of the Gaza Border Region”

Click here to see all of the articles and stories

When the People of Ofakim Opened Their Hearts to Vietnamese Refugees

How of a group of refugees stranded off the shores of Vietnam somehow ended up in a small town in southern Israel...

Nati Gabbay | 19.10.23

Gaza Border Region History of Israel Israeli Culture Life on the Border: A Tribute to the Communities of the Gaza Border Region היסטוריה ישראלית מרגש

A Vietnamese child arrives in Ofakim, June 1977. The Dan Hadani Archive, the Pritzker National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

Somewhere on the face of this earth, lives a man in his 40s named Ofek. This man, the son of Vietnamese parents, received this name simply because he was born here in the State of Israel, in the town of Ofakim.

It’s difficult to imagine what he might be going through during these difficult days. Has he heard of the bloody events of October 7? Does he know of the terrible massacre that was carried out in his place of birth, the place for which he is named? We may never know.

“*Ofek – A Vietnamese Sabra From Ofakim*”, a headline in *Al HaMishmar,* September 8, 1977, the Historical Jewish Press Collection at the National Library of Israel

But let’s start at the beginning.

Opposite the shores of Vietnam, a fishing boat containing 66 men, women, and children fleeing the horrors of war in their country, found itself adrift in the South China Sea. An Israeli freighter, the Yoveli, noticed the rickety vessel. Its captain, Amnon Tadmor, decided to take all the refugees onto his ship, saving 30 men, 16 women, and 20 children, all of them exhausted after experiencing such an ordeal. It turned out that their engine had broken down, leaving them stranded at sea for four days without food or water.

“*Israeli Ship Gathers Vietnamese Refugees and Seeks Shelter for Them*”, a headline in *Davar,* June 12, 1977, the Historical Jewish Press Collection at the National Library of Israel

All that remained was finding them a home. Taiwan, Captain Tadmor’s original destination, said “No.” Japan and Hong Kong also refused. Even the Israeli Foreign Ministry initially replied that bringing the refugees to Israel was “impractical and out of the question.”

“No Country Wants to Absorb the Refugees Rescued by the ‘Yoveli’”, a headline in *Maariv*, June 17, 1977, the Historical Jewish Press Collection at the National Library of Israel

But the story hit the headlines in Israel, and ultimately reached the Knesset, where Knesset Member Yossi Sarid submitted an urgent proposal for the parliamentary agenda, calling on the government to absorb the refugees. The government was changing hands in those days, as shortly before, the Likud party had managed a historic victory in the national elections that brought to an end nearly 30 years of dominance by the Mapai party and its predecessors. Now, on June 19, a day before he was set to introduce his government to the Knesset for a vote of confidence, incoming Prime Minister Menachem Begin declared his first official decision: taking in the refugees.

*The Jewish News of Northern California*, August 5, 1977, the Historical Jewish Press Collection at the National Library of Israel

“We will never forget the ship which left Germany before the outbreak of the Second World War, and the passengers who had Cuban visas which were not honored,” Begin explained, justifying his decision. “No other country wanted to accept them, and after the ship was brought back to Germany, many of those who were on its deck went to the gas chambers. We, as the Jewish state, will not tolerate this injustice to humanity as done in the past, and we will therefore grant refuge to these refugees who chose freedom.”

*J. The Jewish News of Northern California*, August 12, 1977, the Historical Jewish Press Collection at the National Library of Israel

Vietnamese refugees arrive in Israel, June 1977. Photo: Moshe Milner, Government Press Office

Days afterward, the refugees were in Israel, where were they sent to the small town of Ofakim.

Reception for the refugees, the Dan Hadani Archive, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

There was great excitement with the arrival of the refugees. Hundreds of residents from the modest town received the Vietnamese with great excitement. “We receive you with joy, just as we received our Jewish brothers who made Aliyah to the country,” said Chaim Raviv, Director of the Absorption Ministry for the Negev District at the celebratory reception. “You are wanted by us in all respects, and we will do everything to make your stay easier here.”

“Thousands in Ofakim Receive the Vietnamese”, a headline in *Haaretz*, June 27, 1977, the Historical Jewish Press Collection at the National Library of Israel

“’You are wanted here’ – Refugees are Told at Celebratory Reception in the Town of Ofakim”, a headline in *Maariv*, June 27, 1977, the Historical Jewish Press Collection at the National Library of Israel

And indeed, the treatment of the Vietnamese was heartfelt. They were given warm meals, medical treatment, and were even sent to learn Hebrew at the local ulpan (Hebrew language school). The refugees were also given tours of the area so they could get to know the surroundings and locals a little better. This enabled them to feel more comfortable in their new, temporary home. “The food and atmosphere and the people here,” they were quoted as saying, “it’s all very good.” The town and the people of Israel lovingly received these Vietnamese refugees, to the extent that many wanted to adopt the orphaned children among them – requests which, as far as we have been able to discover, were rejected due to the desire to maintain the refugees as a single homogenous unit.

Refugee with a Sabra hat in Israel. Photo: Moshe Milner, Government Press Office

The local council in Ofakim hoped the national and even global interest in the refugees might generate some good press for the town itself. “I want people in the country to know that Ofakim is a ‘garden city’, dipped in greenery, even though it is in the Negev,” said council head Yechiel Bentov, who hoped that new olim (Jewish immigrants) would also come to his town to establish a permanent home for themselves in the south.

And that’s the end of the story. After spending a few months in Israel, the refugees moved on to their next destinations. But there is no doubt that they took the big hearts of the people of Ofakim with them, forever.

And Ofek? If you’re reading this, let us know. We’d love to know how you’re doing.

This article is part of our special series: “Life on the Border: A Tribute to the Communities of the Gaza Border Region”

Click here to see all of the articles and stories

Not Only on the Front Lines

Over the last two weeks of war, IDF soldiers have been defending Israel with the utmost courage and heroism. But while many troops fight to protect Israel directly from the battlefield, most soldiers actually serve the State of Israel in a plethora of other integral ways: within the IDF, an entire world exists beyond the front lines…

Mia Amran | 19.10.23

History of Israel IDF

IDF soldiers at corporal military school, 1976, IPPA Staff photographer, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

For nearly two weeks now, Israel has been in turmoil. The horrors of these past few days have been unimaginable, and for so many people in Israel these weeks have truly been lifechanging in the most awful of ways.

IDF soldiers enjoying a game, 1979, Danny Gotfried, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

But Israel is a country of strength and resilience, and never has this been more exemplified than in the heroic and outstanding displays of courage demonstrated by our troops.

IDF soldiers sharing a snack, 1982, Dan Hadani, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

It is not only active-duty soldiers who are fighting for the safety of our country, but also many reservists who have been called to protect Israel and her people.

IDF soldiers planting trees for Tu B’shvat, 1992, Vered Peer, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

While the IDF is no doubt part of the life of every Israeli, during both peacetime and war, it is times like this when we can fully appreciate their phenomenal force. It is fair to say that Israel simply would not and could not exist without the brave soldiers of the IDF.

IDF officers share a l’chayim, 1969, Yakov Elbaz, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

Their courage, sacrifice and heroism have shone through during this time of distress.

Soldiers queue for a shower, 1979, IPPA Staff Photographer, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

But if we cast our minds back, really not so long ago, life for most of our troops was quite different. While many IDF soldiers do constantly serve in the field and engage in combat on a regular basis, most of our troops serve the State of Israel in other ways.

An IDF soldier resting reading his book, 1974, David Weisfish, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

While it is easy, especially now, to think of soldiers crouching in fields painted in camouflage while fighting for their land and people, the IDF actually does so much more than this. Perhaps that is why Israel’s army is so strong and enduring.

IDF troops cheer on their favorite sports team, 1976, IPPA Staff Photographer, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

Within the IDF, an entire world exists, comprising almost as many types of jobs as the regular workforce outside of the army!

A soldier stops to help a new immigrant paint her house, 1994, Berney Ardov, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

For example, the IDF employs teams of army accountants, lawyers, social media managers, animal trainers, and cooks in order to aid the bureaucracy of the army, the public image of the troops, and the day-to-day services of the soldiers.

A lively game of backgammon amongst IDF soldiers, 1968, IPPA Staff photographer, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

IDF sports day, 1976, IPPA Staff Photographer, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

There’s even an education unit within the IDF! Despite being one of the only armed forces in the world to have such an extensive education sector pro rata, the Israeli forces continue to invest in their internal education services. The reasons for this are manifold.

Female soldier enjoying a good laugh, 1987, Efi Sharir, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

Firstly, it is integral for all Israeli soldiers to understand exactly what they are fighting for and why their efforts are so essential. Without good knowledge of Israel’s geopolitics and history, these goals would, arguably, not be possible. Thus, the theory is that each soldier needs an educational training alongside their physical training.

Members of an IDF band performing onstage at a ceremony in Gitit, 1975, IPPA Staff photographer, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

But this education is also directed outwards. For example, youngsters from around the world can learn from IDF soldiers, on seminars and courses provided by the army. When these young people return to their home countries, they are more accurately able to represent Israel, which is really an invaluable skill in a polarized and sometimes uninformed world.

IDF soldiers show off their weapons to Israeli children, 1979, IPPA Staff photographer, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

A source of pride for the IDF, therefore, is the fact that the Israeli army actually has one of the highest rates of foreign-born soldiers – immigrants (olim) from all over the globe who choose to fight alongside their brethren. Each of these enlistees is entitled to a course of ulpan, a Hebrew language school, as part of their army service, also conducted by the IDF’s education corps, before they join their Israeli peers in the fight to protect Israel.

A recreation day for a unit of the IDF Combat Engineer Corps in Ashkelon, 1984, Efi Sharir, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

Some sectors of the army are seemingly more commonplace. Doctors and medics, for example, are a vital necessity in any army. In Israel, the IDF actually funds the university degrees of many medical professions who wish to work for the defense forces after their graduate studies.

IDF soldiers taking a break, 1973, David Weisfish, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

Similarly, the degrees of many engineers and technologists are paid for by the IDF, provided that these skilled workers spend some time putting their knowledge to use on army bases once they have completed their degrees. Often times, these post-graduate soldiers work during the day time and return home each evening, quite like a regular job, despite being technically enlisted for duty.

IDF soldiers picking movies for their base from a mobile library provided by the IDF cultural department, 1976, Dan Hadani, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

Computer engineering, software development, and various research and development jobs abound in the army, with many of these soldiers serving in the IDF’s extensive intelligence units.

IDF football team plays at the Ramat Gan Stadium on Yom Ha’Atzmaut, 1984, Sami Schwartz, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

But contributing to the Israeli army can come in even more varied ways than these. For qualifying individuals, the IDF has some of the most highly trained and erudite diplomacy and foreign affairs units of any army in the world. For a small country who values the allyship of various oversees nations, it is important for the defense forces to cooperate with government officials, foreign ministries and even other armies across the world.

IDF soldiers still find time to flirt!, 1976, IPPA Staff photographer, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

In addition to this, the IDF also makes their name known globally through their extensive volunteer efforts both at home and abroad. When natural disasters strike internationally, Israeli troops are often amongst the first to arrive on the front lines to offer aid and assistance in countries near and far. As some of our international friends support us through our difficult times, so too do we support them when hardships arise.

IDF soldiers helping out in the fields of Masua, 1970, Symcha Aharoni, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

Truthfully, there is no end to the phenomenal work carried out by the IDF both during these trying times and also during periods of calm. While many armies demonstrate great military prowess, it takes a very special country to decide that valuable resources and time should also be spent on ensuring that their forces are contributing to the wider society around them.

IDF soldiers take a trip to the Western Wall with the Rabbinical Corps, 1972, IPPA Staff photographer, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

We often praise the soldiers who engage in active combat, and for good reason. But it’s important to also remember that each one is backed up by an entire system, a world of its own, that exists within the structures of the IDF.

IDF soldiers enjoy a game of chess, 1982, Dan Hadani, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

During these difficult days, our hearts are with all of the Israeli troops. We wish them strength and success, and owe them unlimited appreciation for their tireless service in protecting our people and our land.

IDF soldiers play a game of volleyball, 1972, IPPA Staff photographer, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

We pray for a swift end to this dark period, and a return to normal life as soon as possible.

Soldiers in Sinai pray in the leadup to Yom Kippur, 1969, Gershon Elinson, the Dan Hadani Collection, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, the National Library of Israel

“Hopefully, we’ll return soon”: Postcards From the Yom Kippur War Front

50 years ago, the Yom Kippur War didn’t spare the National Library of Israel, and employees were called to the front, serving many long months in reserve duty afterwards as well. During this period, they kept their Library colleagues up to speed on events, how they were doing, and how they hoped to get back to the finer things in life: “It’s good to see that there are still people dealing with catalogs and archives.”

Amit Naor | 18.10.23

History of Israel IDF Israel's Wars Yom Kippur War היסטוריה ישראלית

Postcards from the Yom Kippur War front, sent to the National Library of Israel’s Manuscripts and Archives Department. Photo: Amit Naor

“Darkness, gloom all around, winds blowing, and a burning cold. No matter, you get over it. I imagine it’s not quite like that for all of you in the various corners of Jerusalem…”

Workers in the National Library of Israel’s Archives and Manuscripts departments may deal with historical documents and riveting personal accounts from the distant past for a living – but they are not occupants of an ivory tower, indifferent to the events of the day and the outside world. These are human beings, and like all other people, they are affected by what goes on outside – political and diplomatic developments, as well as other current events.

This is true today and it was also true in October 1973, as well as the long months that followed. Workers in the Manuscripts and Archives Department (today they are two separate departments) were called to the front during the Yom Kippur War, serving many long months of reserve duty afterwards to protect Israel’s borders. At the time, the IDF provided soldiers with postcards, encouraging them to write home – under the limitations of military censorship – and a number of our manuscript experts took advantage of this opportunity. They chose to write not only to their families, but also wrote to their colleagues at the Library. They asked to be kept up to date on how work was progressing with the parchments and yellowing pages containing the story of the Jewish People, and the State of Israel.

Some of these historic postcards have been preserved, and we found a number of them in a file kept in the National Library archives. The postcards reveal the messages which the army sought to deliver to the public, offering a glimpse of the situation after the fighting had ceased and the very human experiences of those who remained on the front lines: the unpleasant conditions, the hope of returning home or at least receiving some leave time, and also the burning desire to know what was going on in the wider world.

“Everything’s fine with me. Am at ‘the end of the world’ and hope to be released before 1980.” The National Library of Israel collections. Photo: Amit Naor

“Everything’s fine with me,” one of the workers informed Rafi Weiser, the legendary director of the Archives and Manuscript Department. “Am at ‘the end of the world’ and hope to be released before 1980.” The optimistic design of the artwork on the postcard was produced by the office of the IDF’s Chief Education Officer. It quotes a famous song by Israeli songwriter Ehud Manor, Bashanah HaBa’ah or “Next Year” – “We will see, we will see, just how good it will be (refrain: in the next year, in the next year, in the next year)”. Another employee asked to thank a worker named Hannah for sending him specific newspaper clippings. “Maybe I’ll go on leave soon,” he hoped.

The artwork features the quote – “We will see, we will see, just how good it will be.” Song lyric by Ehud Manor on an official IDF postcard. The National Library of Israel collections. Photo: Amit Naor

In another postcard from November 1973, just three weeks after the war ended, a soldier named Amos rejoiced at the letters sent to him by department employees. “It’s good to see that there are people who still deal in catalogs and archives and not nonsense like what we’re dealing with,” Amos wrote. He didn’t forget to send congratulations to a colleague named Rachel who “fell for the trap and got married,” adding an update: “They say we’ll stay here for a long time, but hopefully we’ll return soon.” The artwork on the postcard is adorned with the words “I feel five out of five [i.e., 100%]”, which we can only hope actually represented the feeling of the soldiers at the time.

“Hello! I was happy to receive your letter, and it’s good to see that there are people who still deal in catalogs and archives and not nonsense like what we’re dealing with. Congratulations are of course due to Rachel […] who fell for the trap and got married. They say we’ll stay here for a long time, but hopefully we’ll return soon. See you, Amos” – The National Library collections, photo: Amit Naor

“I feel five out of five”, a positive message on an official IDF postcard. The National Library of Israel collections. Photo: Amit Naor

In December 1973, a soldier named Motti delivered the postcard which features the quote appearing at the top of this article. The soldiers were cold, the atmosphere gloomy, but Motti hoped that everything was functioning a usual at work. In the postcard he also tells of how he managed to visit Rafi Weiser, the department director, during his brief vacation, and how he hoped his next period of leave would allow him to also visit the rest of the department.

In another postcard, sent two months later, Motti tells of how he returned to the “same ‘dunam’ [acre] of land I’ve known for so long.” What else did Motti have to say? “With me there is certainly nothing new aside from the increasing boredom.” But Motti had a solution: “It seems to me that paper hasn’t run out in the department and all the cutbacks and downsizing befalling the university […] need not disrupt any letters from being sent to me from your direction.”

Cough, cough. Help out your friend on the front and send me word.

The National Library of Israel collections. Photo: Amit Naor

“Somewhere…same place…Hello! Darkness, gloom all around, winds blowing, and a burning cold. No matter, you get over it. I imagine it’s not quite like that for all of you in the various corners of Jerusalem. How are you…I want to believe everything’s OK and flowing as usual. Fortunately, we succeeded in ‘playing hooky’ for a few hours and hopped over to Rafi’s. We were very, very happy to meet, exchange views and just see one another. By the way, he’s working hard with all his energy. I’ll try to hop over next vacation. Write!!”, the National Library of Israel collections. Photo: Amit Naor

“Same place…and Rafi knows where…I really hope everything’s still normal. What’s new in the department? At this stage, I’ve returned to the same ‘dunam’ [acre] of land I’ve known for so long. With me there is certainly nothing new aside from the increasing boredom. How’s Efraim, did he get out? It seems to me that paper hasn’t run out in the department and all the rationing and downsizing befalling the university […] need not disrupt any letters from being sent to me from your direction. Regards to everyone… yours, Motti”, the National Library of Israel collections. Photo: Amit Naor

Another postcard from Motti contains a simple optimistic message. On one side Motti wrote: “May it be so… See ya,” adding an arrow directing readers to flip to the other side. Here, we see a drawing – perhaps by Motti himself. A flower blooming in the desert, and a shining sun in the background. Underneath is a large, prominent caption: “Homeward.”

“May it be so … See ya. Motti”, the National Library of Israel collections. Photo: Amit Naor

“Homeward”, the National Library of Israel collections. Photo: Amit Naor

The file also contains a number of postcards with nothing written on them. One contains a caricature by “Dosh” (Kariel Gardosh) drawn specifically for the war. Another contains a drawing hoping for peace. Many postcards have illustrations of happy soldiers writing home. One contains a caricature with an educational message telling of the situation in those days: four children can be seen energetically doing house chores – one peels potatoes, one washes the dishes, two work to scrub the floors. At the bottom is a caption: “Children, help mom.”

“Children, help mom” – the National Library of Israel collections. Photo: Amit Naor

The Yom Kippur War touched almost every Israeli home in those years. The thin file containing these postcards shows us how the war affected the work of the National Library as well – while also showing how this organization works to preserve the memory of that time, to this very day.