Dayan on Security, 1970
This poster announces a lecture to be delivered by Moshe Dayan (then minister of defence) about the security of Israel at Cinerama Hall, Tel Aviv on the evening of Monday April 6, 1970. The event was organised by the Tel Aviv University Students’ Union and promised simultaneous translation into English.
The poster is written in both Hebrew and English. It is possible that the event was also directed at English speakers due to the rise in the number of English-speaking immigrants after the euphoria of the Six-Day War victory.
Funds raised from the event were promised to the Fund for the Border Settlements which provided for communities living on the borders whose properties or businesses were damaged as a result of wars or military operations.
In April 1970, the time of this lecture, Israel was fighting Egypt in the War of Attrition. The content of the lecture probably also concerned that war. The War of Attrition, lasting from 1967 to 1970, involved fighting between Israel and Egypt, Jordan, the PLO, and their allies. The war began as an attempt by the Egyptians to recapture parts of Sinai after their defeat in the Six-Day War. Ultimately, a ceasefire was reached and the war ended in August 1970.
Teaching Suggestions
Teachers of Israel Studies and Jewish History could use this source to discuss the War of Attrition, and Moshe Dayan's role as minister of defence. The flyer could also be used by Hebrew or English teachers when teaching about the style of language used in advertising.
Discussion Points
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What event does this poster advertise?
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What was happening in Israel at the time of the event?
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Why do you think there was a need to advertise the event in English and to provide translation?
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What was the Fund for the Border Settlements?
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Where did the event take place?
Does it still exist today? Look it up on Google Earth. -
The poster announces that after the lecture, participants will have the chance to ask questions. Imagine you were a student at the time. What questions would you have asked?