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Thursday 19 September 2019

1089) Israel-Vatican Joint Issue: Celebrating 25 Years of diplomatic relations between Israel & the Holy See: A Commemorative Stamp issued jointly by Israel Philatelic Service & the Holy See Numismatic Service/Vatican Post: Stamp Issue Date: 10.09.2019:

1089) Israel-Vatican Joint Issue: Celebrating 25 Years of diplomatic relations between Israel & the Holy See: A Commemorative Stamp issued jointly by Israel Philatelic Service & the Holy See Numismatic Service/Vatican Post: Stamp Issue Date: 10.09.2019:

About the "Israel-Vatican Joint Issue":

The 25th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the State of Israel and the Holy See is a milestone and acknowledgment of the long way Israel & the Holy See have travelled together along a path of reconciliation and friendship.

On 30.12.1993, during the pontificate of John Paul II, Israel & the Holy See signed in Jerusalem the Fundamental Agreement establishing full diplomatic relations between the two states. The Agreement came into force in April 1994, with the exchange of their respective ambassadors. 

The signing of the Fundamental Agreement not only established diplomatic relations, but also collaboration in the fight against anti-Semitism and all forms of religious racism and intolerance, the promotion of academic exchanges and the increase of Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land combining political and spiritual aspects. 

This unique bonding between the only Jewish State and the universal Catholic Church combines both spiritual and political elements.

The special Joint Stamp issued by the Israel Philatelic Service and the Holy See Numismatic Service to commemorate the 25th Anniversary depicts St. Peter's Church and the synagogue at Capernaum and symbolises the unique relations and interaction between Judaism and Christianity.

During the past 25 years, there have been three official visits to Israel of all three Popes who have served since the establishment of these diplomatic ties. The visits included poignant moments at the Western Wall, Yad Vashem and laying a wreath by Pope Francis  at the tomb of Benjamin Zeev Herzl, the founder of Zionism. Reciprocal visits to the Vatican were made by all Israeli heads of state and Prime Ministers.

The pilgrimage of John Paul II in 2000 to the Holy Land contributed greatly to the improvement in relations between Jews and Christians and to the strengthening of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The visit of Benedict XVI in 2009 marked a further step on the path of dialogue.

Pope Francis visited Israel in May 2014 and was greeted with great enthusiasm by the entire Israeli population without distinction of faith .

Continued joint efforts are being make these relations scale greater heights of friendship, dialogue and mutual understanding.

St. Peter's Church & Synagogue, Capernum:

Capernum is an archaeological site on the Sea of Gililee shore, North of Tiberias. A town from the Roman Byzantine period, which was mentioned in a book by the ancient Jewish historianJosephus (Yosef ben Matityahu) was excavated at this site. Capernum's historical and religious significance stems from what is written about it in the New  Testament and the fact that this was the place, where Jesus lived during his time in the Galilee.

One of the most magnificent ancient synagogues in Eretz Israel (meaning "The Land of Israel") was discovered in the centre of the town, alongside remnants of an octagonal church from the Byzantine period.

The gospel of Mark features a description of how Jesus began his religious mission after being baptised in the Jordan River. He went Northward to the Galilee, where he located his first students - fishermen in the Sea of Galilee. Together with these students, he made his way to the nearby town of Capernum, where some of them lived. "They went to Capernum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach" (Mark 1:21). This was the first time Jesus had appeared before the Jewish public in the Galilee. He was revealed to be an authoritative Halachic teacher and also miraculously healed a man who was overtaken by an evil spirit/ demon.

At the end of the prayers, Jesus and his students "left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon and Andrew" (Mark 1.29), where Jesus healed Simon's mother-in-law of her fever. "That evening after sunset..... The whole town gathered at the door and Jesus healed many who had various diseases" (Mark 1.32-34).

During the Byzantine period, a grand church was built to mark the place where Simon, the student's house was traditionally thought to have been.

In 1990, a modern church was constructed on the ruins of the Byzantine church, which was discovered in the early 20th Century, hovering over the ancient remains.

The church and the synagogue are presently overseen by the Franciscan order and attracts Christian pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.

The Stamps:

This First Day Cover (FDC) shows the Cancelled Mini-Sheet (MS)  depicting the Church of San Pietro (St. Peter) and the nearby synagogue of Capernaum in Galilee - an image that represents the close relations between the State of Israel and the Holy See.

The Cancellation Handstamp/postmark is of Jerusalem Post Office. The Cancellation date is - "10.09.2019".

The Miniature Sheet (MS) is titled "ISRAEL-VATICAN - 25 Years of Bilateral Relations". At lower left is mentioned "ST. PETER'S CHURCH, SYNAGOGUE, CAPERNAUM". 

In the circle is seen/inscribed "HOUSE OF PETER,CAPERNAUM, ISRAEL" (in three languages - Arabic, English and Hebrew). The flags of Israel and Vatican are also seen at lower left.

A Folder issued on the occasion of release of the Joint issue contains the cancelled Mini-Sheet(MS)/Souvenir Leaf at left and the separate Israel Post and Vatican Numismatic Service stamps at right. There is a citation from the Ambassador of Israel giving a brief commentary on the 25 years of diplomatic relations between Israel &the Holy See.

The Mini Sheet  on top has been issued by Israel Philatelic Bureau and the one below has been issued by the Vatican Numismatic Service and bears   inscriptions in Latin.

An image of the Cancelled Mini Sheet/Souvenir leaf bears the cancelled stamp by Israel Post on top. The cancellation is of Jerusalem Post Office. It is titled "ISRAEL-VATICAN - 25 Years of Diplomatic Relations".

TheStamp below has been issued by the Vatican Numismatic Service and is titled "VATICANO-ISRAELE - 25 Years of Diplomatic Relations". The Cancellation is of the Vatican Post. 


Technical details:

Stamp issue date: 10.09.2019

Designer: Ronen Goldberg

Printer: Cartor Security Printing, France

Printing process: Offset

Stamp value: NIS 15 (New Israeli Shekel)

Stamp size: Width: 90.0 mm; Stamp Diameter: 38.0 mm; Height: 70.0 mm









Links to more Posts from ICMC Israel:




Birds of Israel Coin Series:

Other interesting posts from Israel:

"Views of Jerusalem" Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Series:

2) The City of David: Fourth Coin in the Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Series issued by ICMC, Israel & the Holy Land Mint, Israel (2019)


For some other interesting posts from Italy/The Vatican, please visit the following links:



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