Friday 10 July 2020

1416) Transportation in Israel: A compilation of 24 Stamps depicting various modes of transport, issued in this Stamp Sheet released by Israel Post: Stamp Set issue date: 26.06.2020:

1416) Transportation in Israel: A compilation of 24 Stamps depicting various modes of transport, issued in this Stamp Sheet released by Israel Post: Stamp Set issue date: 26.06.2020:


There were no paved roads in Eretz, Israel (meaning "The Land of Israel) until the mid-19th Century, so travellers had to walk or ride pack animals.

Construction of a road from Jerusalem to Jaffa began in 1860. When completed, carriage travel became feasible in Israel. 

The Austrian Postal Service was among the first to take advantage of this new mode of transportation, utilising a special carriage to carry mail from Europe, when it arrived at Jaffa Port.

In addition to new roads, other means of land, sea and air transportation started to develop as well - steamships from Europe began to dock in Eretz, Israel regularly, the railway between Jaffa and Jerusalem was completed in 1892; the Valley Railway was completed in 1905 and in 1913, the first airplanes landed in Israel.

Significant resources were invested in improving the transportation in Israel during World War I. As part of the war effort, the Turkish military built a network of railway lines connecting the Northern region to the Negev and Sinai deserts in the South. The warring parties built landing strips so they could operate lighter planes, thus creating the initial infrastructure for aviation in Eretz Israel.

During the British Mandate, transportation in Israel developed at an unprecedented rate. Many new roads werve paved in previously inaccessible areas. The railway network was expanded and connected to adjacent countries, making it possible to travel by train from Europe to Africa via Israel. 

Haifa Port was built as an international port, serving the entire Middle East and allowing the development of local shipping companies. The main airport in Lod, as well as, other airports in Tel Aviv and the Haifa Airport, led to development of air transport.

When the State of Israel was established in 1948, the rail connection with neighbouring countries was severed and transportation development focussed inward, mainly on roads. 

In addition to constructing of a network of new roads to access the many new towns established throughout the country, a local car manufacturing plant was set up. Great efforts were also made to develop military means at sea and in the air, including planes and submarines, which required a broad infrastructure of suitable air and sea ports.

In recent years, a cycling culture has developed in Israel, both for sport and recreation, as well as, a means of daily transportation in cities. This simple and convenient solution completes the array of advanced modern transportation options currently available to the Israeli public, allowing people to reach anywhere in the country quickly and comfortably.


              The 24 Stamps included in this Stamp Set

Postal Vehicles in Israel (2013):

These three stamps, which were issued as part  of a commemorative stamp sheet, reenact the great development of postal transport vehicles in Israel. From the horse-drawn carriage that was operated by the Austrian Post in the mid-19th Century to transport items between Jaffa and Jerusalem, via the mail sorting train car utilised during the British Mandate to the Israel Post's international airmail.

100 Years of Aviation in Eretz Israel (2013):

In 1913, a Bleroit XI monoplane landed North of Jaffa, marking the start of the aviation age in Israel. The other two stamps in the series recreate the development of the aircraft industry in the State of Israel - from the French Fouga Magister jet-engine aircraft, which was upgraded by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and manufactured under its new name IAI Zukit to Israel's leading position in the world-wide field of unmanned aerial vehicles development.

The Valley Railway (2011):

In the early 20th Century, the Turks built a new branch of the Hejaz Railway running between Damascus and Mecca through the Jezreel Valley to Haifa Port. This section of the rail line, called the Valley Railway ("Rakevet HaEmek") contributed greatly to the development of the Jewish Yishuv in the Jezreel Valley at that time.

World War I in Eretz Israel - Centennial, the Military Railway (2015):

At the start of World War I, the Turkish Army prepared to fight the British, who ruled Egypt. A railway system was built in Israel to transport large Ottoman military forces and equipment to the Sinai Peninsula. These lines served as the base for the railway infrastructure in Israel and some of them are still utilized today.

World War I in Israel - Centennial, Aerial Warfare (2016):

As part of the Allied war effort in WWI, fighter planes, reconnaissance aircraft and bombers were brought to Israel. Temporary air-fields and landing strips were built for both German and British Air Squadrons, some of which still serve aviation in Israel to this day.

The Renaissance of Jewish shipping (2012):

The economic conditions during the British Mandate and construction of the modern ports in Haifa, Jaffa and Tel Aviv facilitated the development of civilian shipping. A number of entrepreneurs and seamen founded shipping companies, acquired ships and established maritime trade lines between Israel and Mediterranean countries.

Alongside the trade activities, maritime schools were opened to train professional seamen.

70 Years of Civil Aviation in Israel (2018):

El Al, Israel's national airline was founded approximately one year after the establishment of the State of Israel. The company's first flight brought President Chaim Weizmann back to Israel from Geneva. 

Over the years, El Al has taken part in many of Israel's Aliyah and intelligence operations. Along with its national activities, the company has provided the foundation for training personnel and creating aviation links between Israel and the world.

Israel's Automotive Industry (2014):

The first attempt to establish an automobile assembly plant in Israel was made during the British Mandate period.

Later, during the first years of the State of Israel, three companies were founded to assemble and manufacture cars, as a way to develop the Israeli automotive industry. 

Despite the commercial failure of these factories, which were private initiatives that received government aid through subsidies and tax breaks, they developed and manufactured a number of cars that were an important part of the Israeli transportation landscape at that time.

Submarines in Israel (2017):

The security needs of Israel led decision makers to acquire and operate submarines as part of the Israeli Navy.

The first submarines were purchased in 1959. Since then, Israel has been operating several complex and sophisticated marine craft.

Bell AH-1 Cobra - The first Attack Helicopter in the Israeli Air Force (2015):

In 1975, as part of the lessons learned from the Yom Kippur War, the Israeli Air Force began operating attack helicopters designed to provide immediate assistance to forces on the ground. Since then, the Air Force has increased its expertise in operating these complex aircraft and enhancing the capabilities of Israel's attack helicopters.

Cycling in Israel (2019):

Alongside mechanized vehicles, bicycles have always served as an inexpensive and simple way to move around, as part of one's daily routines. Not only are they a useful mode of conveyance, but also a form of exercise and a recreational pastime, including sporting activities.







Links to more posts from ICMC, Israel:
Gates of Jerusalem Coin Series:

1) "Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem", Israel: First Coin in the "Gates of Jerusalem" Coin Series: Gold & Silver Bullion Coins issued by the Israel Coins and Medals Corporation (ICMC) and minted by the Holy Land Mint in 2017:

Birds of Israel Coin Series:

Other interesting posts from Israel:
2) Centenary of the Battle of Haifa, Israel: Eretz, fought in September 2018 by the Indian cavalry comprising Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers against German and Turkish troops: A commemorative stamp brought out by Israel Post on 06.02.2018:

3) Butterflies of Israel: A Series of Eight Coins issued by the Israel Coins and Medals Corporation (ICMC), minted by the Holy Land Mint (2018)





17) Transportation in Israel: A compilation of 24 Stamps depicting various modes of transport, issued in this Stamp Sheet released by Israel Post: Stamp Set issue date: 26.06.2020

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

7 comments:

  1. Santosh Khanna has commented:
    "GOOD information."

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ram Lalingkar has commented:
    "'Israel' is a my favorite country. I like their national spirit which helped them to face the adverse conditions & hostile countries surrounded by them."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Rambhau. Mine too. When my grandfather was in the Lucknow University, the Israeli Embassy used to send a newsletter titled "News From Israel",. In the 1970s, they were bringing an iceberg from the Arctic, which would have taken care of three years of their drinking water issues. They were also experimenting with drip irrigation, while trying to grow agriculture in the Negev Desert.

      Delete
  3. Rajan Trikha has commented:
    "Wonderful evolution."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is indeed, Trikha sahab. A small nation, equipped with the most brilliant of concepts.

      Delete
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