This is a poster advertising an IDF display taking place in the Ramat Gan Stadium on April 20–21, 1988 celebrating the 40th anniversary of Israel’s independence and produced by the Air Force. The poster comprises 56 photographs of IDF soldiers throughout the 40 years of the State of Israel. The different photographs demonstrate the diversity of soldiers, roles, and units. Some of the photographs are in black and white and are clearly from the early years of the State. Others show soldiers from tank units, Gadna (the pre-military training program), the infantry, navy, air force, paratroopers, and even the military police. They depict both men and women as well as young and older soldiers, probably reservists.
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Yom Ha'atzmaut - Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrates the independence of the State of Israel which took place in 1948 on 5th Iyar, which coincided that year with May 14. Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations include formal events such as the national torch lighting ceremony on Mount Herzl, the International Bible Competition, and the Israel Prize ceremony. The day is also celebrated informally with picnics and barbecues (mangal in Hebrew), visits to army bases, and even special celebratory prayers in synagogues.
IDF - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was founded shortly after the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Before then there had been several military groups, but Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion officially unified them into one national army on May 26, 1948. The IDF consists of ground forces, air force, and navy. The IDF’s security objectives are: to defend the existence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of the State of Israel; to deter all of Israel’s enemies; and to curb all forms of terrorism which threaten daily life. The IDF follows a code of ethics called the “Spirit of the IDF.” All soldiers are trained in this code and expected to obey it. Military service is compulsory for all Israeli citizens over the age of 18, although there are some exceptions: most notably, ultra-orthodox men who are studying in yeshivas and married women. Religious women have the option of doing sherut leumi (community service) instead of serving in the IDF. The general length of service is two years and eight months for men and two years for women. After completing regular service in the IDF, Israelis are obliged to join a reserve unit and continue serving as needed. Since the IDF touches the life of almost all Israelis, it also serves as a welfare institution by teaching and supporting disadvantaged soldiers and civilians in Israel and even abroad. Since its inauguration, volunteers from around the world have joined the IDF. Currently, soldiers from over 70 countries are serving in the IDF, with 25% of them coming from the United States.
