National Library of Israel marks America’s 250th birthday

Happy semiquincentennial

Jerusalem institution creates exhibit of rare American artifacts, lecture series and online offerings

By Jessica Steinberg

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Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center

As the US celebrates 250 years of independence on July 4, the National Library of Israel is marking the occasion in Jerusalem with an exhibit of rare American history artifacts from its collections that is also available online.

The exhibit includes the pen used by president Harry S. Truman to sign the announcement of de jure recognition of the State of Israel, and a document testifying to its authenticity signed by Truman.

There are historical maps of the United States, portraits of US presidents and other personages from American history.

A new webpage on the library’s website is dedicated to America’s semiquincentennial, with a gallery of selected items, including the Truman pen, the story of how his pen came to the library, and when the 33rd US president decided to recognize the State of Israel.

There are also several new video shorts on the library’s site about American Jewish history and communities.

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The library will host lectures in honor of America’s 250th, including one about American history, another looking at voting rights and American democracy, and a third discussion examining loneliness in America.

One lecture will be in English on July 6 and will examine the past, present and future of American Jewry at 250.

A final event features Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, senior rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York City, on July 12, revolving around concepts discussed in her memoir, “Heart of a Stranger.”

Before and after each lecture, visitors are invited to join guided visits of the display.

Visitors can register for the lectures on the National Library website.

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