Bidspirit auction | Israel - Katamon Decoration, Jerusalem

Israel - Katamon Decoration, Jerusalem 1948 - War of Independence - The Katamon Decoration was awarded to fighters who took part in the Battle of San Simon in Jerusalem during the Israeli War of Independence. The battle, fought in April 1948, was one of the fiercest and most decisive in the struggle for the city. The distribution of the medal began in July 1949, but shortly afterward, the Israel Defense Forces ceased to officially recognize it, and its wearing was discontinued. Today, it stands as a rare and highly sought-after historical artifact among collectors of early Israeli military memorabilia. Obverse: Relief depicting the Jewish Agency building and the Tower of David, surrounded by olive branches. Around the rim, the inscription: ”If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.” Reverse: Inscribed: ”For the conquest of Katamon, Jerusalem, 22 Nisan 5708, 1.5.1948.” A historically and symbolically important piece commemorating the heroism of the defenders of Jerusalem during Israel’s War of Independence. Weight: 9.359 g Diameter: 26 mm