Necklace – Damascene silver filigree chain decorated with corals, that previously belonged to Golda Meir – the fourth prime minister of Israel. Sold at the Agudah L’Ma’an HaChayal auction in 1975. Israeli history at its best.
In 1975, about 45 years ago, there was an auction for the benefit of Israeli soldiers. The climax of the auction was the jewellery that belonged to former prime minister of Israel, Golda Meir. She donated the jewelry at the height of the Yom Kippur War. The most expensive jewel was this one here, sold for about $2200.
Written in the period press: “In the midst of the Yom Kippur War, Mrs. Golda Meir donated four of her personal jewels to the Agudah L’Ma’an HaChayal. One of them, a necklace … was the highlight of the auction held on behalf of the Agudah L’Ma’an HaChayal …”, many of the 320 present – among them, diamond dealers, industrialists, insurance people, contractors and advertisers – competed to buy the jewelry, which Golda donated when she was still serving as prime minister. A letter with her signature was attached to each piece of jewelry, stating: “I am happy for our joint contribution to the soldiers of the IDF”.
Unique and rare historical-museum collecter’s item, both from the aspect of its owner having been Golda Meir, known to have been the first and only woman in Israel to serve as prime minister, and the third woman in the world to serve in this capacity, and from the background for its sale – the Yom Kippur War, Golda’s ultimate test. Her image was entrenched as the ‘Jewish mother’ of the State of Israel. She did fail in her lack of anticipation of the approaching war. However, she united and strengthened the people during the war, when there were moments of real fear of the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash HaShlishi .
Dedication included with Golda Meir’s personal signature.
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