In 1969, with Golda Meir serving as prime minister, the men of Haifa decided it was only fair to reclaim the kitchen. Meet Yacov Lishansky: military governor, gas station owner, and the first man ever to be crowned Israel’s “Queen of the Kitchen.” This is a story of mullet fish, royal aprons, and shakshuka cooked under fire along the Suez Canal.
“We Were on Very Good Terms”: A Look Back at Iran-Israel Relations
Retired Israeli diplomat Aryeh Levin has many fond memories from his years serving in Iran more than a half-century ago. As to the ongoing war between the countries, he says: “This is a crazy time we’re living in.”
When “Not Without My Daughter” Was Filmed in Israel
Can a country become part of a movie cast? The number of major international films shot in Israel can likely be counted on two hands, and when the film crews did come, many used the local landscape to stand in for other Middle Eastern countries. In the National Library archives, we uncovered documentation of how Ramat Gan became Tehran, and well-known Israeli actors found themselves playing Persians and Turks.
A Young Yitzhak Rabin Gives His First Interview
He was “level-headed, moderate, coolly analytical, with the lowest bass voice ever heard over the IDF’s combat radio,” and his “number of operations was as great as the number of freckles that once covered his face.” Lt. Col. Yitzhak Rabin gave his first interview to an army newspaper at the age of 27.
Barney Dreyfuss, a Jewish Under-the-Radar Baseball Hall of Famer
The German immigrant arrived in America in 1881 and left an imprint on its national pastime, including launching the World Series championship.
When Meyer Lansky Walked His Dog in Tel Aviv
The American-Jewish gangster lived in Israel for two years and wanted to stay, but was forced out in 1972 when Israel’s interior minister declared him an unsavory character.
Yesterday’s News: The Story of the Historical Jewish Press Archive
Professor Yaron Tsur—one of the founders of the NLI’s Historical Jewish Press website—has been awarded the Israel Prize. The honor recognizes, among other achievements, his role in helping create one of the National Library’s most significant initiatives. This is the story behind the Historical Jewish Press – a project that allows anyone, anywhere to explore nearly every Jewish newspaper published over the last 250 years—and embark on a captivating journey through Jewish history.
Revealed: Who Was “The State of Israel’s First Baby”?
Among the National Library’s photography collections, one particularly adorable discovery caught our eye: a series of images titled “The State of Israel’s First Baby.” There were no other identifying details. Solving the mystery took a bit of detective work, some help from kind strangers, and a stroke of luck. But eventually, we found the birthday girl—and she even gave us a special interview.
When Abraham Lincoln Intervened on Behalf of American Jews
U.S. General Ulysses S. Grant ordered the eviction of Jews in southern areas he controlled during the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln reversed the edict of the man he later appointed the Union Army’s commander. Grant went on to become president.
What Happened to the Thorny Lovers’ Garden of Kibbutz Nir Oz?
A 50-year-old news article illuminates the deep bond between Oded and Yocheved Lifshitz from Nir Oz, who nurtured not only their love but also a unique and remarkable garden in their kibbutz. Both were abducted from their home on October 7, and now Yocheved waits for her beloved Oded’s return.
