The Mandate – Israel’s Formative Years

The British Mandate over Palestine (1920–1948) was a time of conflict, upheaval, and dramatic change. While waves of violence shook the land, these 28 years also laid the foundations of the modern State of Israel.
From a neglected Ottoman province, a modern country began to emerge. Jewish Immigration surged, and cities like Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem grew rapidly. For the first time, the land saw paved roads, railways, postal service, the port of Haifa, and Lydda Airport connecting the country to the world. The Palestine Electric Company brought light and power, industry and commerce flourished, and Hebrew — once only a language of prayer — became the spoken language of daily life.

Schools, universities, and hospitals were established. The Histadrut created a modern health system. The British introduced mapping and land registration, laws on property and agriculture, and a three-tiered judicial system.

The Jewish Agency developed democratic structures for representation, many of which became the political foundations of the state.
By the time Israel declared independence in 1948, much of the infrastructure, institutions, and systems that define the country today — from government and education to health and economy — were already in place.

This richly illustrated photo album tells the story of those formative years. Beyond conflict and struggle, it highlights the achievements and transformations that shaped Israel’s future.

Publication Date: January 2026
(Presale price, Limited Edition)