In 1924, Keren Hayesod produced its first documentary film[1]Land of Promise (Banim Bonim in Hebrew), presenting the courageous and difficult work of the young pioneers. The film shows dozens of Zionist olim, under the burning sun, fulfilling their dream of making the desert bloom and settling the Land of Israel. Jacob Ben-Dov’s amazing photographs show the pioneers creating settlements, paving roads, setting up water and electricity infrastructures, renovating neighborhoods and establishing Hadassah Hospital. It was Keren Hayesod’s crucial contribution that made it possible to carry out this broad range of activities. With their bare hands and through communal work, the pioneers laid the foundations of the state-on-the-way. These rare photographs preserve not only the hard work of the pioneer generation, but also their joy, their exuberant and unique lifestyle, business activities and family. The photos offer us a unique glimpse into the pioneering activities of the 1920s. Keren Hayesod, which early on recognized the importance of filming, preserving memories and public relations, has in its possession exceptional documentation of the Yishuv and the State of Israel, from its early days until the present.
Photo: From the silent movie “Land of Promise,” produced by Keren Hayesod, 1924