"Announcement to all residents of the State of Israel" (Hebrew), the first poster to be issued by the provisional government of the State of Israel after the Declaration of Independence. Tel-Aviv: "HaPoel Hatzair" Cooperative Press, 14.5.1948.
The poster, printed in the Israeli national colors of blue and white, bears a first message by the new government to its citizens: "In this time of ultimate struggle, during the malicious attack of the enemy, the provisional government has taken power in Israel. Our state embodies the best vision of generations. We are commanded to protect the realization of this vision with full force" (Hebrew).
This is followed by text meant to steel the citizens for the war and the price they are about to pay: "Without sacrifices of blood and tears, without sacrificing body and mind, without the toil and pain of us all, we will not achieve victory. The Yishuv is called in its thousands to weapons. The joy of these great days is accompanied by grief for the fallen in the battles in the fields of the homeland. Their sacrifice will be accepted. Honor to our heroes" (Hebrew).
Towards the end, three lines in thinner characters urge the citizens to uphold the rights of Palestinian Arabs: "We shall remember: within the borders of our country, citizens of the Arab people will continue to live – and many of them are tired of this war. Their rights, equal civil rights, we are commanded to protect. We come in peace. Our hands are outstretched to them to build the country with us" (Hebrew).
Approx. 92.5X60 cm. Fair condition. Fold lines, creases and stains. Filing holes and pinholes. Small tears to edges and fold lines. Several long tears to margins, one reinforced with tape. Notation to verso.