How Jews around the World Celebrated Israel in 1948

The declaration of the State of Israel in 1948 was heralded by Jews around the world with rallies, flags and revelry. In Vienna, they marched to Herzl’s grave; in Philadelphia, the flag was raised above City Hall by Mayor Bernard Samuels; in the DP camps in Frankfurt, the Jewish and American flags were raised together.

Here is a snapshot of the celebration, as reported by JTA correspondents:

North America:

BOSTON – Workmen’s Circle Convention Hails Establishment of Israel; Urge U.S. to Lift Embargo (May 18, 1948) 

CHICAGO – 50,000 Chicagoans Jam Salute to Israel Rally; Lifting of Arms Embargo Urged (May 18, 1948)

DETROIT – 25,000 Detroit Jews Participate in Salute to Israel Rally; Shofar Sounded (May 24, 1948)

MONTREAL – Canadian Jewry Prepares to Celebrate Proclamation of Jewish State over Weekend (May 14, 1948) 

NEW YORK – Jews Throughout U.S. Celebrate Proclamation of State; Weizman Greets Yishuv (May 16, 1948)

NEW YORK – Tens of Thousands Jam New York Meeting to Greet Establishment of New Jewish State (May 17, 1948)

NEW YORK –Flag of Israel Hoisted Over Waldorf-Astoria, Residence of Dr. Weitzman(May 19, 1948)

PHILADELPHIA – Flag of Israel Hoisted Atop Philadelphia City Hall by Mayor Samuel; Leaders Join Ceremony (May 26, 1948) 

WASHINGTON – Flag of Israel Raised over Jewish Agency Headquarters in Washington and New York (May 16, 1948)

World:

AMSTERDAM– Overflow Rally of Netherlands Jews Hails Israel; Artists Offer Works to New State (May 20, 1948)

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA– News Brief (May 17, 1948)

BUDAPEST – News Brief (May 17, 1948)

BUENOS AIRES – News Brief (May 17, 1948)

BUENOS AIRES – Jews Attend Mass Meeting in Buenos Aires to Celebrate Birth of Israel (May 18, 1948)

FRANKFURT (DP Camp)– News Brief (May 17, 1948) 

JOHANNESBURG – South African Jews Greet Israel With Sounding of Shofar; Pledge Support to State (May 20, 1948) 

LONDON– Thousands Attend Celebrations for Israel in Britain, France, Germany, Austria, Italy (May 17, 1948)

PARIS – News Brief (May 17, 1948) 

PRAGUE – News Brief (May 17, 1948)

ROME – Americans get First Israeli Visas in Italy; Eleven Israel-bound Planes Grounded (May 20, 1948)

SOFIA, BULGARIA – News Brief (May 17, 1948)

VIENNA – 4,000 Jews in Vienna Mark Establishment of Israel by March to Dr. Herzl’s Grave(May 25, 1948) 

WARSAW – Polish Jews Mark Establishment of Israel; Similar Celebrations in Other Countries (May 17, 1948)