Learning with the National Library of Israel

Water Conservation

Translation

​

“Save water – it’s the blood of the country"

​

This is a poster calling on the public to reduce their water usage at a time of drought in Israel. The design conveys the message by comparing two drops of water (in blue) with two drops of blood (in red). The Hebrew line in between the two types of drops reads: “Save water – it’s the blood of the country.” In the background there is a city landscape with many houses.

​

The striking image of the drops of blood ensures attracting the viewer’s attention. Although it is not known in what year this poster first appeared, water conservation has been a critical issue ever since the first Jews returned to the Land of Israel and attempted to create a widespread farming industry. Concerns rose once again in more recent years due to drought and water pollution, and there continues to be public education about not wasting water unnecessarily. In the meantime, Israel has become a leader in water conservation and desalination, so despite limited water sources, the country’s water balance is positive.

​

The poster was published by the Tel Aviv Municipality, and the image of houses in the background is likely to portray Tel Aviv.

​

Connection to Parashat Va’Eirah

​

In Parashat Va’Eira, the Torah tells us about the first seven of the Ten Plagues. The first, and most famous, is the plague of blood, in which all the water in Egypt turned into blood.

​

In the parasha, God tells Moses that “Pharaoh will be out at the water,” and the medieval commentator Ibn Ezra explained that Pharaoh followed this procedure every day in order to investigate the level of the River Nile, which was the lifeblood of the Egyptian economy.

​

Teaching Suggestions

This source can be used in a Geography and Science lessons to discuss the daily challenges facing Israel in a region that lacks abundant water resources.  

​

Jewish Studies teacher can use this resource as an original way to discuss Parashat Va’eira when referring to the plague of water turning into blood. This poster demonstrates the importance of water in our lives, and it can thus be inferred how the plague would have affected the Egyptians.

​

Art teachers can demonstrate the power of the imagery used in this poster and the way that art can be used to make people stop and think.

​

Relevant Links

• R.Schuster, "The Secret of Israel's Water Miracle and How It Can Help a Thirsty World", Ha'aretz

• M.Chesla, "The Secrets of Saving: Israel's Water Conservation", Israel New Tech

• Water, Can't Live Without it!, Learning with the National Library of Israel

• Magid, the Ten Plagues, Sefaria

​

Discussion Points

Observations

• What two colours have been used for the drops depicted in the poster?

• What does the Hebrew text mean?

• What is water being compared to in the poster?

• What is the image in the background of the poster?

• Who was responsible for printing this poster?

​

Reading Between the Lines

• How is water comparable to blood?

• What message is the poster trying to convey?

• How is the design of this poster used to convey this message?

• Why was this poster created?

• Which city is featured on the poster?

• Why did the city of Tel Aviv print this poster?

​

Conncetions

• Is water conservation an important issue in contemporary Israel?

• What is the importance of education about water conservation?

• Israel is a leader in water conservation technologies.
  What technologies are used?
  Have these technologies changed the water situation in Israel?

• If you saw this poster, would it encourage you to save water?
  How would you do it?

• The Torah is sometimes compared to water.
  Why do you think this is the case?

​

Creative Ideas

• Water conservation is a crucial topic around the world.
  Use to create a poster that could be used in developing countries to raise awareness about water conservation.