AIR MAIL (1954-1956)

SRAEL LANDSCAPES

JUDEAN HILLS

This stamp depicts an olive tree, which is found in abundance in Israel’s hills of Judea (see Landscapes of IsraelLANDSCAPES_OF_ISRAEL_1, Judean Desert). A fine oil is extracted from the fruit of this tree and is widely marketed at home and abroad.

EIN GEV

On the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee is Ein Gev, a settlement founded in 1937. It played a major role in securing Israel’s hold on the eastern shore of the Sea during the War of Independence (1948).

SHA’AR HAGAI

Sha’ar Hagai ("Valley’s Gate") is located on the road leading up to Jerusalem. A khan (hostel), which once served as a stopping place for weary travelers on their way up to Jerusalem by horse and carriage, has been preserved as a historic landmark at Sha’ar Hagai.  See also The War of IndependenceTHE_WAR_OF_INDEPENDENCE_1947_1949_SOUVENIR_SHEET.

LION ROCK

At Ma’aleh ha-Akrabim in the Negev stands a rock that bears a striking resemblance to a lion’s face and mane. This is just one of the many spectacular rock formations that can be found in the desert region of southern Israel.

EILAT

On the shores of the Red Sea is Eilat. An attractive port city, it has developed into a center for tourism, trade, and industry. See also Air Mail 1960, EilatAIR_MAIL_1960; Landscapes of Israel, Coral Island and Beach at EilatLANDSCAPES_OF_ISRAEL_1.

HA-TANUR WATERFALL

Near Metulla in the north of Israel a waterfall called Ha-Tanur ("The Oven") forms a glorious display of nature. The falls, which are part of the Ayun river in the Nahal Ayun Reserve, attract many visitors to the site each year. See also Nature Reserves in the North 2, Nahal AyunNATURE_RESERVES_IN_THE_NORTH_2.

TEL AVIV-YAFO

The old port town of Yafo on the Mediterranean Sea, seen on this stamp, was joined to Tel Aviv in 1909. The two were disunited in 1929 but were to become one entity again with the establishment of the State of Israel. For more on the history of Yafo see Landscapes of Israel, YafoLANDSCAPES_OF_ISRAEL_1; Air Mail 1960, YafoAIR_MAIL_1960.

HULAH LAKE

The Hulah valley, in Upper Galilee, is best known in the history of Israel’s early years for the steadfast attempts at settling the marshy region for habitation and agriculture. The marshes and lake were drained, leaving an expanse of cultivable soil.

TIBERIAS

This stamp shows the tomb of Rabbi Meir Ba’al ha-Nes ("the Miracle-Worker") in Tiberias. The site has become a focus of pilgrimage due to the Rabbi’s legendary ability to bring about miracles. For information on Tiberias see Air Mail 1960, TiberiasAIR_MAIL_1960.