In honor of Independence Day, Jewish National Fund unveils unique photo collection from modern Israel’s early history

The Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) has unveiled a unique historic photo exhibition to mark the country’s 77th Independence Day since its rebirth in May 1948.

The collection showcases rarely seen images from modern Israel’s early decades, offering a compelling look into the nation’s formative “learning to walk” years – from the War of Independence in 1948 to the Six-Day War in 1967. The exhibition documents not only Israel’s early struggles but also its resilience and achievements in the face of both internal and external challenges.

Efrat Sinai, Director of Archives at KKL-JNF, explained the importance of reconnecting with defining moments in modern Israeli history.

“During these days, as we honor the memory of the fallen and navigate the emotional transition from remembrance to celebration, these photographs reconnect us with some of Israel’s defining moments. They are not just historical records; they tell the story of a people who built a country out of faith, sacrifice, and deep love for this land," Sinai said. Over 120 years of Zionist endeavor – building, planting, settling, and reviving the land – are preserved in KKL-JNF’s archives. We are proud to safeguard these memories and to make them accessible, strengthening the living connection between Israel’s past, present, and future.”

While much of modern Israel’s history has been dominated by wars, the rare historical photos offer a diverse look at the country’s dynamic rebirth. They included images of IDF soldiers in battle positions, alongside parades and Israeli children displaying youthful innocence amid times of conflict.

The State of Israel is widely considered a modern miracle that was established, survived, and eventually thrived against all odds. Israel's first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, played a key role in the re-establishment and defense of the first Jewish state.

An excerpt from Ben-Gurion’s diary from the Independence War of 1948 was made available to the public for the first time. It reveals the enormous challenges that the nascent Israeli state faced under his leadership.

“In the afternoon, at four o’clock, Jewish independence was declared and the state was established,” Ben-Gurion wrote. “Its fate is in the hands of the security forces,” he added.

Ben-Gurion’s diary also provides a fascinating window into the internal disagreements among Israel’s political and military leadership during the 1948 efforts to secure statehood and repel the five invading Arab armies that sought to erase the fledgling Jewish state.

“Almost all the General Staff opposed my opinion to attack more forcefully and aggressively to capture the areas around the Tel Aviv–Jerusalem road. I feel they missed and are missing the decisive conquest that would determine the fate of Jerusalem – and possibly the outcome of the entire campaign,” Ben Gurion wrote in his diary.

Ben-Gurion eventually retired from public life and settled in Sde Boker, a rural community in the Israeli Negev Desert. He believed in leadership through example and urged Israeli civilians to make the desert bloom through farming and the construction of communities.