A poster encouraging British Jews to travel to Israel for Hanukah with El Al Airlines. This is one of the many El-Al posters from the Marvin G. Goldman EL AL Collection made accessible by the National Library of Israel.
The poster features an illustrated map of Israel, with an image of children dancing around a giant Chanukiya. The text of the poster offers British tourists to visit Israel on Chanukah and to travel with El Al airlines.
Although the poster is not dated, it was likely printed between 1949 and 1957. This date can be determined by various factors. First, El Al was established in 1948, but only began to operate commercial flights in 1949. Secondly, on the map, the city of Lod is referred to as Lydda – the name of the city was officially changed in 1948, however it took a few years until public opinion changed. In addition, the “Constellation” plane which is mentioned, was in use only until 1957.
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El Al - El Al was founded in 1948, soon after the establishment of the State of Israel. Its maiden voyage brought Chaim Weizmann from Geneva back to Israel. The airline was instrumental in all major operations involving rescuing Jewish refugees from all over the world. The name of the company was suggested by David Remez, the first Minister of Transport who based it on a passage from the book of Hosea (11:17).
Chanuka - Chanuka celebrates the rededication of the Temple by Judah the Maccabee and his army after their victory over the Greeks in 165 BCE. One of the well-known miracles of the Chanukah story is the small portion of oil that was able to light the Menorah in the Temple and burn for eight nights. Chanukah begins on 25 Kislev and is celebrated by lighting a Chanukiya for eight nights. It is also traditional to eat fried foods (to symbolise the oil) and play with spinning tops known as dreidles.
