The exhibition is the product of the cooperation between Raanana’s Founders’ Room, its city archives and the city’s Haganah Members Organization.  The exhibition curators are the city archives manager, Rachel Reinstein, the Founders’ Room Director, Naava Mei Tal and members of the city’s Haganah Organization management – Yossi Ravid and Henia Shamir, who are also notable residents of Raanana, who have served the city of Raanana in an important and significant public capacity.

The exhibition includes the organization’s activity in the young Raanana settlement, starting in 1924, after the establishment of the state and until the present.  The Haganah’s activity in Raanana was extensive and included: protecting the young settlement which was surrounding by Arab and Bedouin tribes; undercover missions during the Mandate and assistance with national activity:  protecting convoys, participating in operations, etc.

The city of Raanana, which is celebrating its 88th year, has agreed to open an exhibition for the Haganah in Raanana and include it as part of its Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations.  The exhibition includes 60 photographs and dozens of historical documents, which have been stored in the city archives and which document the history and lifestyle of the members of the organization in Raanana.  Among the displays:  A poster from the 1940s inviting Raanana residents to a demonstration against the publication of the white paper; a local council protocol from 1947 recruiting Raanana residents and certificates and documents issued especially for Haganah members – driver’s licenses, Haganah membership cards, etc.

The municipality has printed a special catalogue (on sale at the exhibition) that includes all the photos and documents on display, which can be purchased at the exhibition.

The official opening of the exhibition is scheduled for Wednesday, 14.4.10 at 17:00 at Yad LaBanim, and will be attended by Mayor Nahum Hofree; National Haganah Chairman, Mr. Zvika Levanon; Raanana Branch Chairman, Mr. David Perlstein and organization members.

Mayor Nahum Hofree:  “I believe that it is a privilege rather than a duty to serve the homeland and view values education that promotes volunteering and contribution to the country to be of the utmost importance.  The work of the Haganah members on behalf of Israel in general and Raanana in specific is praiseworthy and I welcome this exhibition, which provides us with a fascinating opportunity to learn about the Haganah its work and the important role it played in the life of Raanana residents.”

Photos:  Members of Raanana’s Haganah branch – Yona Lutringer and Hanna Hargeni, members in training.  Photos courtesy of the city archives.  From the Raanana Haganah photograph collection.