Archive Photos Reveal Simple, Community-Centered Israeli Summers Before Statehood
A newly revealed photo series from the Jewish National Fund archives offers a glimpse into the simple, nature-based summer experiences of Israeli children before and shortly after the establishment of the state. The images, dating from 1930 to 1969, show children playing in open fields, climbing haystacks, riding tractors, and swimming in small water pools shaded by trees, highlighting a summer lifestyle rooted in the natural environment and community rather than organized activities or modern entertainment.
One early photo from August 1930 by photographer Yosef Shweig captures children from Tel Yosef sitting atop a large haystack in an agricultural setting, with no formal playgrounds or structured events. Another image from 1935 by Avraham Malbaski shows children from Beit Keshet gathered on a tractor, emphasizing how agricultural tools were part of their play and daily life. A 1940 photo depicts children enjoying a small pool near their village homes, illustrating how modest water reservoirs sufficed for summer fun.
Moving to 1969, photos by Daphnai Ish Shalom document children from the Beit She'an Valley attending a summer camp in Ben Shemen. They are seen watching a small performance under the trees and sitting on the ground, with a welcoming sign for the campers visible. Despite Israel being over 20 years old by then, the summer spirit remained slow-paced, outdoor, and centered on human connection.
Efrat Sinai, head of archives at the Jewish National Fund, explains that these photos reveal how children’s summer experiences were deeply tied to their surroundings and everyday life, not staged vacations. She notes the historical importance of these images as they document ordinary moments that shaped childhood before the digital age, evoking nostalgia and a uniquely Israeli cultural identity. Sinai emphasizes the archive’s role in preserving national history through everyday life scenes, which resonate emotionally and culturally with viewers today.
