This is an English-language pamphlet published by the Israeli government to attract immigrants from English-speaking countries. The pamphlet boasts that: “In 1948 we had 125,000, in 1949 we shall have 250,000 Olim.” It contains various propaganda images and slogans, telling the new olim (immigrants) that the state needs “hands” and boasting that “one Israel Jew in three is a newcomer.”
In 1948, following the Declaration of Independence, the new State of Israel was faced with myriad problems. The War of Independence did not officially end until 1949, and the fledgling state was dealing with an influx of refugees from Europe and the Arab nations. The young nation struggled to provide its citizens with their daily needs, while, at the same time, making a concerted effort to attract new immigrants to assist in the development of the agriculture, technology, and infrastructure. Top among the target countries were English-speaking countries, in particular the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa.
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Connection to Parashat Lech Lecha
At the very start of Parashat Lech-Lecha, Abram (later to be called Abraham) is instructed to leave his family and homeland and travel to the Land of Canaan:
The Lord had said to Abram, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you.”
According to the biblical commentators, this commandment was one of ten tests that Abraham was given by God. It should be noted that when Abraham was commanded to leave his family and depart for Canaan, this was the first time that God had conversed with him.
