Bidspirit auction | ”To the Citizen of the

”To the Citizen of the State of Israel” – a proclamation calling for participation in the construction of fortifications against the Arab enemy during the height of the War of Independence - ”The elderly are called to auxiliary duties of great responsibility, no less important to the outcome of our war...” – ”To the Citizen of the State of Israel” – a fully vocalized proclamation calling on older citizens to take an active role in the war against the Arab enemy during the height of the War of Independence, by building fortified positions for protection against enemy fire.  Fortifications Division, September 8, 1948. The broadside addresses older citizens not engaged in combat, urging them to join the war effort by constructing defensive positions in areas under Arab fire. ”The war forced upon us is total. It demands strength and effort from every person in Israel. The young are at the front, fighting the enemy – the elderly are called to auxiliary duties of great responsibility, no less important to the outcome of our war... You will build for the front-line soldier a position from which he will be protected from enemy bullets and shells, and from which he will command the battlefield... Only your arrival at the front lines will give you the true feeling of partnership with our soldiers in their war against the enemy. Accept this call as befits the son of a fighting people – encourage your comrades to fulfill it with faith and confidence in our victory. Fortifications Division, District Headquarters.” During the War of Independence, with many of the young men drafted into the ranks of the Palmach, Haganah, and the army, the older civilian population bore a heavy responsibility for defending settlements. Men and women of middle age and the elderly took an active role in constructing fortifications, digging communication trenches, building firing positions, erecting sandbag barriers, and often supervising the younger people who remained behind. In isolated settlements, it was frequently the older residents who stood at the forefront of activity: digging with bare hands, hauling stones, filling sacks with soil, and assisting at night in laying mines and preparing for attacks — often under fire, and with unmatched dedication. Their contribution was critical in maintaining defensive lines and preparing for siege conditions. 24×16 cm. Light creases. Very good condition.