This is a black and white photograph of a military parade held on Israel’s first Independence Day on May 4, 1949 in Tel Aviv. A female army unit is seen marching down the street. The soldiers are wearing women’s IDF uniforms which consisted of shirts, skirts that went below the knee, and helmets. They are each holding a large communications device with a long antenna. They do not appear to be carrying weapons. The photograph was taken by Rudi Weissenstein.
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IDF Military Parades - Israel held military parades each year on Yom Ha’atzmaut from 1968. The last military parade was held in 1973 in honour of Israel’s 25th anniversary. The tradition of military parades ended due to budgetary concerns and, perhaps, changes in Israeli society. Today, the IDF opens many of its bases on Yom Ha’atzmaut and holds weapon exhibitions.
Women in the IDF -The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) is one of the only armies in the world with mandatory army service for women. Women participated in the military even before the establishment of the State of Israel, serving in the paramilitary organisations such as Hashomer, Hagana, Palmach, and Etzel. In 1948, with the founding of the State, military service was made compulsory for all men and women over the age of 18. Women enlist in the IDF for two years, and after basic training they serve in a variety of duties. While a majority of the female soldiers work in non-combat roles such as clerks, welfare officers, nurses, and instructors, most of the roles in the IDF are open to female soldiers, including service in combat units. In fact, in recent years there has been a huge increase in the number of women serving in combat units, leading to a ongoing public debate about the necessity, effectivity, and even justification of their role in these units. Some women chose to be exempted from military service on religious grounds. Of these religious women, many choose instead to do Sherut Leumi (national service) in civilian institutions.
Yom Ha'atzmaut - Yom Ha’atzmaut is celebrated in many different ways. The day opens at the end of Yom Hazikaron with a national ceremony on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. All over Israel people celebrate with large street parties, and religious people also participate in thanksgiving prayers. During the day of Yom Ha’atzmaut there is an annual air force display, some people go on hikes around the country, and most people enjoy festive meals, especially barbeques (mangal). The army has not held large parades, such as in this photograph, since 1973, but it opens many bases to the civilian population on this day. Other traditions include the awarding of the prestigious Israel Prize and the annual International Bible Quiz.
Hatzalmania (PhotoHouse) – Rudi (Rudolph) Weissenstein (1910–1992) was born in Czechoslovakia, where he studied photography from his father before going to school in Vienna. Weissenstein moved to Israel in 1935 after experiencing anti-Semitism. In Israel, he began working as an independent photographer, taking photographs all over Israel and providing pictures of the pre-state development which were spread all over the world. In 1940, Weissenstein opened the Pri-Or Photo House, later known as Hatzalmania or PhotoHouse, where he built an archive of his work along with documentation about the subjects. After his death in 1992, his wife and, later, his grandson continued to run the Photo House.
