(ISRAEL, STATE OF).

Tel Aviv, Po’el HaTza’ir Co-operative, May 14th, 1948

Medinat Yisrael [“Provisional Government Decree to all Residents of the State of Israel.”] Issued on May 14th, 1948. Addresses the need for strength of purpose and solidarity of citizenry, as the new State of Israel takes on sovereignty,while simultaneously forced to fend off the military attacks of its neighbors.

First proclamation issued by the Provisional Government calling on all residents of the new State of Israel to volunteer to protect the homeland and care for its benefit: “Our countenance is focused towards peace. Citizens! We will protect the honor of our young State. Each of us is responsible for it by personal conduct, purity of stance and inner integrity. All are bound for its security and future.” The announcement also states that equality of rights of Arab citizens must be upheld and they may not be discriminated against during this tense period. “We look to peace. Our hands are extended to them as partners in building the homeland.” “Citizens: To Arms, To the War Effort, To the Building of the Homeland.”