An auction of personal items belonging to David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister, will benefit Negev communities.

The auction, which is taking place between December 11 and 25, 2024, is organized by the Ben Udi organization in cooperation with Curio Auctions. It features personal correspondence, rare photographs, posters, artistic representations of the Negev, and other personal items.

The proceeds will benefit organizations that support Negev communities.

Ben-Gurion, who spent his later years in kibbutz Sde Boker in the Negev, was a visionary in the development of the region.

Among the initiatives receiving funding from the auction is Nitzanim, a program that assists youth from the Negev to secure pivotal roles in the military and the hi-tech industry.

The artifacts being auctioned include a rare first edition of Ben-Gurion’s letters to his wife, Paula, and his family, inscribed in Hebrew by Ben-Gurion himself in the year of publication, shortly after Paula’s death. The text, written in Hebrew, was printed in Tel Aviv.

Another item available for bidding is the first official public proclamation of the new Israeli government. Printed in Hebrew as a broadside poster, it is titled: “Proclamation to all inhabitants of the State of Israel.”

An iconic wartime poster from 1941 honors the Jewish soldiers who served in the British military as part of the Jewish Brigade during the British Mandate of Palestine.

The Jewish Agency organized Jewish Soldier’s Day to raise funds and provide support to the recruits’ families. The day featured various events, including parades, public gatherings, sports competitions, and other celebratory activities.

Also available is a photograph, taken by Negev Brigade soldier Micha Perry, of the historic raising of the Ink Flag to symbolize the victorious end to the final campaign of the War of Independence.

Image - Reuters