Call Number:

Ms Coll 1676

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

.1 linear feet (1 box)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

United Palestine Appeal photographs, circa 1920s-1940s, Ms Coll 1676, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

circa 1920s-1940s

Creator:

United Palestine Appeal (U.S.)

Form:

Black-and-white photographs and Photographs

Abstract:

The United Palestine Appeal "was founded in 1925, to unify the fundraising efforts of Eretz Israel American philanthropic organizations including the Jewish National Fund, Hadassah and Hebrew University." The United Palestine Appeal photographs consist of 31 black and white photographs taken by the United Palestine Appeal, and five black and white photographs taken by an unknown photographer, of Mandatory Palestine, dating from the 20th century.

According to the seller, the United Palestine Appeal "was founded in 1925, to unify the fundraising efforts of Eretz Israel American philanthropic organizations including the Jewish National Fund, Hadassah and Hebrew University. It was dissolved in 1930, but was brought back to life in 1936. In 1939, together with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, it founded the United Jewish Appeal, and was its principal beneficiary."

The United Palestine Appeal photographs consist of 31 black and white photographs taken by the United Palestine Appeal, and five black and white photographs taken by an unknown photographer, of Mandatory Palestine, dating from the 1920s to 1940s. According to the seller, "These photographs were most likely sent out to member chapters for use in fundraising and promotional activities, for reprinting in journals, newspapers, reports, or posters. All of these photographs, with one exception...contain captions..listed as 'Copyright United Palestine Appeal, 111 Fifth Avenue, New York City.'" The captions of these 30 photographs describe the people and landscapes which were captured. Of the five photographs taken by an unknown photographer, three of them have handwritten captions on the back.

Most of the photographs are of Tel-Aviv, formerly Jaffa, including its first mayor Meir Dizengoff, police force, government house, and the harbor. Other cities represented in this collection include: Haifa, Jerusalem, Safed, Meier Shfeyah, Kfar Yehezkel, Nahalal, and the American colony (Jerusalem). Institutions represented in the photographs include: Hebrew University, Workers' Convalescent Home at Motza, Hejaz railway, and the Habima Theatre group. Photographed politicians and heads of state are Sir John Chancellor, Tomáš Masaryk, and Herbert Plumer. Finally, religious or holy sites in this collection include Rachel's tomb and the Great Synagogue (Tel Aviv).