PRIME MINISTER DAVID BEN-GURION (ISRAEL) - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH CIRCA 1961 - HFSID 86191

DAVID BEN-GURION
He signs a Certificate of Appreciation to a leader of the United Jewish Appeal. The certificate features his picture. Framedto an overall size of 19x30.
Partly Printed Certificate signed: "D. Ben-Gurion" as Prime Minister, State of Israel, 1 page, 8½x11½. No place, circa 1961. Certificate of Appreciation for service to the United Jewish Appeal. In full: "Gratefully presented on the occasion of Israel's 'Bar Mitzvah' year to MRS. I. USHER KIRSHBLUM Whose devoted service as a Division Chairman in the 1960 campaign of the United Jewish Appeal of Greater New York has enabled so many of our people from all over the world to build new lives in freedom and dignity in Israel." Photograph, b/w, 6¼x7¼, of Ben-Gurion at mid-portion. David Ben-Gurion (1886-1973, the first Prime Minister of Israel (1948-1953), signed this certificate 13 years after the State of Israel was proclaimed (May 1948). The United Jewish Appeal in Greater New York, as in other areas, raises money for philanthropic purposes. The largest portion of funds is expended in Palestine and used to help support and assist in finding jobs for immigrants. Ben-Gurion, nicknamed "The Father of Israel", became captivated with Zionism during his youth in Poland. Born David Gruen, he adopted the ancient Hebrew name Ben-Gurion in 1906 at age 20 when he immigrated to Palestine. He devoted his life to establishing a Jewish nation, and encouraged the return of Jewish people from throughout the world. After serving again as Prime Minister from 1955-1963, Ben-Gurion devoted himself to writing. He published Israel: The Years of Challenge (1963) and The Jews in Their Land (1966). Slightly creased at upper right blank margin. Framed to an overall size of 19x30¼.