Historical Israeli Posters Resurface with New Meaning

An exhibition titled "Eretz Yushvia" (Land of Its Settlers) in Tel Aviv is showcasing historical posters from the 1930s to the 1950s that called for enlistment, volunteering, protest, and solidarity. These posters, many featuring designs by prominent local artists like Otto Wallisch, the Shamir Brothers, and Samuel Katz, were collected by social entrepreneur and Israel Prize laureate Roni Duek. The exhibition aims to connect the messages from these formative decades of Israel's history with the country's current reality, particularly in the period following the October 7th attacks.

Despite being created in different eras and circumstances, the posters' calls for action resonate with contemporary Israeli society. The exhibition highlights themes of civic responsibility, equality, belonging, and the relationship between citizens and the state. These historical calls for mobilization, volunteering, solidarity, protest, and struggle for the character of society are presented alongside a video art installation.

This video work, compiled from archival footage of protests and struggles throughout Israel's history, draws parallels between past movements and the widespread civilian mobilization and public protests witnessed after October 7th. The exhibition is curated by Yuval Saar and is on display at Beit Hana Brodzky in Tel Aviv until October 4th.