In the lead-up to one of Israel’s greatest-ever military victories, Prime Minister Levi Eshkol took to the airwaves to address the nation. It didn’t go well, and the national crisis became significantly worse as a result. Despite his failure in a critical moment, today Eshkol is often viewed as one of Israel’s greatest leaders.
Red Boots, Red Berets: The Story of the Paratroopers Brigade
The last words written by paratrooper Eitan Naveh, who leapt out of the trenches to protect his friends at Ammunition Hill, were: “We won’t embarrass the firm.” His pride in serving with the paratroopers became part of his identity. This is the story of the brigade known for its red boots, crimson berets, and the fact that it produced no less than ten IDF Chiefs of Staff.
The Appeal of the Brown Beret: The Story of the IDF’s Golani Brigade
“Every corner of the country is marked with the blood of Golani Brigade soldiers. That is the way of the brigade: to be wherever Golani soldiers are needed, to decide the battle, to bring victory, to give life to the State of Israel.” The words of Yitzhak Rabin describe the feelings of many today in Israel
The Emotional Resonance of Music During War
Throughout Israeli history, music has been utilized to calm the chaos of war and make sense of tragedy. When words can’t quite get it right, music often can. As we deep-dive into four of Israel’s most famous wartime tunes, we can start to understand why music is just so important to our dear country, especially during dark days such as these.
Desert Temples, Ancient Tombs & Tank Battles: Scenes From the Life of a Photographer
Zev Radovan has been taking photos since 1965, in Israel and around the world. He and his camera were given the kind of access that few people receive. As a result, Radovan was able to document some incredible locations and moments in history. His archive of photographs can now be found at the National Library of Israel…
When Topol Fled From ‘Fiddler’… Twice
Chaim Topol was originally disgusted by ‘Fiddler on the Roof’. Soon after changing his mind, war in Israel took him off the stage…
The Manuscripts of St. Catherine’s Monastery: Now on the National Library of Israel Website
One of the world’s greatest collections of manuscripts is now available to view in the online catalog of the National Library of Israel
Moshe Dayan: A Life in Pictures
The Israeli general and politician Moshe Dayan was one of the most iconic and photogenic figures in the country’s history. We dove into the National Library collections and selected a handful of pictures that captured both historic and personal moments in his eventful life
