Two paper items from the time of the siege on Safed during the Israeli War of Independence, April-May 1948.
1. "Birth Certificate" – a typewritten letter of conformation, by the Mukhtar of Safed, Asher Barshad, on official stationery: "I the undersigned – Asher Barshad, mukhtar of the Jewish Community, Safed – hereby certify that Mrs. Henya, daughter of Rab. Abraham Leib Silberman of Safed [Chief Rabbi of Safed] is personally known to me. She was born in Safed on March 3rd. 1921". Safed, April 13, 1948.
The letter is hand-signed and stamped by Barshad and by the British District Officer.
[1] leaf, 21.5 cm. Good condition. Some stains. Fold lines. Tears and minor creases to margins. Filing holes.
2. An envelope with a "Safed Mail" 10 Mils postage stamp and a "Safed Mail" postmark from May 6, 1948. This stamp and postmark were used in Safed for a short time only, between the time the British left the town and its liberation from the siege during the War of Independence.
Enclosed is letter confirming the authenticity of the item.
Envelope: 12.5X15.5 cm. Good condition. Fold line.