Early copy of Israeli Declaration of Independence, inscribed by David Ben-Gurion, on display at Beverly Hills Auction House

Heritage Auction Galleries Beverly Hills to exhibit historic Jewish document through Aug. 1

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – The Israeli Declaration of Independence is, perhaps, the most important modern document in existence to Jewish people the world over. Now, through Aug. 1, a rare early copy of the document – inscribed by Israeli hero David Ben-Gurion – is on display at Heritage Auction Galleries Beverly Hills, 9478 West Olympic Boulevard.

This historic document is almost as recognizable in Israel as our own Declaration of Independence is here. It is an eloquent text in Hebrew, which begins with a discussion of Jewish history, cites the United Nations resolution of Nov. 29, 1947 calling for the establishment of a Jewish state in the former British territory of Palestine and asserts the right of the Jews to have their own sovereign state. It ends with an appeal to Jews worldwide to rally around the Jews in Israel, and to assist in immigration and the building of the new nation state.

Much political maneuvering and compromise had been required to produce a consensus, which was reached none too soon. The proclamation was approved by the Jewish National Council on May 14, 1948, just hours before the British mandate in Palestine would expire, creating a power vacuum in the territory. David Ben-Gurion, who would lead the new nation of Israel, gave an emotional first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Tel Aviv that day.

The present copy is undated, but is clearly vintage: the paper is evenly toned, and somewhat fragile. There is roughness at the margins, likely a result of age. Inasmuch as it is inscribed and signed from Ben-Gurion to Baruch Zuckerman, an important player in Jewish affairs in the years leading up to Independence, it seems reasonable to assume that this is a very early copy, perhaps sent to Zuckerman shortly after it was adopted.

Bernard Zuckerman was an important figure in Jewish affairs in America. A prominent intellectual and activist, his Poale-Zion Movement figured significantly in the founding of the "People's Relief Committee" during and after World War I. He aided in the setting up of the American Jewish Congress and was a representative to the Executive of the World Jewish Congress. He may well have been on a shortlist of individuals who could not be present on the occasion of Israel's independence, but whom Ben-Gurion felt deserved to be honored with a copy of the Declaration.

This copy measures 12.75" x 38". Elegantly matted and framed, with a strong display presence, and is a highly significant signed document for the serious collector of historical Judaica.

Heritage Auctions, headed by Steve Ivy, Jim Halperin and Greg Rohan, is the world’s third largest auction house, with annual sales more than $600 million, and 500,000+ registered online bidder members. For more information about Heritage Auctions, and to join and gain access to a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit HA.com.

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