A Blessing for Israel’s First Elections in 1949

Menachem Begin of the Herut party at a campaign speech prior to Israel’s first election. Credit: Hans Pinn, Israeli Government Press Office.

Many recited blessings when they voted for the first time in an independent, democratic Jewish State in 1949. Hear memories of the exciting days of Israel’s first elections amid war and learn about the colorful candidates including Rachel Cohen-Kagan of WIZO, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Amin-Salim Jarjora, the Christan-Arab mayor of Nazareth, former militant Lechi fighter Nathan Yellin-Mor, Rabbi Yehuda Leib Maimon who was arrested by the British for Zionism, Zecharia Glosca of the Association of Yemenis in Israel and a moving memoir by Rabbi Moshe Yekutiel Alpert who wore his Shabbat best to the polling booth.

Municipal elections in Israel are February 27, 2024, the new date after being reschedule twice due to Operation Iron Swords. For the official website on how to vote and list of candidates click here: https://bchirot-muni.moin.gov.il/

Rachel Cohen-Kagan of WIZO signing Israel’s Declaration of Independence. She later was elected to the first Knesset. Credit: Beno Rothenberg

Rabbi Yehuda Leib Maimon and David Ben-Gurion sign Israel’s declaration of Independence in 1948. Rabbi Maimon was later elected to the first Knesset. Credits: Hans Pinn, GPO.

Election posters in Tel Aviv a day before Israel’s first vote, January 1949. Credit Hugo Mendelson, GPO.

Election posters at the Great Synagogue of Tel Aviv, January 24, 1949. Credit: Hugo Mendelson, GPO

NOTES:

• Diary of a Muchtar in Jerusalem: The History of the Beit Yisrael Neighborhood and its Surroundings in the Writings of Rabbi Moshe Yekutiel Alpert (1938-1952)

• “The Holiest Day of My Life”: A Personal Account of Israel’s 1st Elections in 1949

• Israel to Vote Today in First National Elections; Campaign Reaches High Peak

• Israeli Electoral History: Elections to the 1st Knesset

• Election Day Passes Quietly in Israel - JTA

• ISRAEL: Cabinet and elections (1949) - British Pathe

• Britain Recognises Israel (1949) - British Pathe

• PALESTINE - ISRAEL ELECTIONS - British Movietone / AP