Auction 87 - Jewish and Israeli Art, History and Culture
Including: sketches by Ze'ev Raban and Bezalel items, hildren's books, avant-garde books, rare ladino periodicals, and more
The Trial of Ze'ev Jabotinsky – Three Contemporary Publications – April-May, 1920 – Proclamation of Support by Ben-Gurion's "Ahdut HaAvoda" Party
Three publications from the time of Ze'ev Jabotinsky's trial. Palestine, 1920. Hebrew and English.
1. Extra edition of HaAretz newspaper. A single leaf, reporting on Jabotinsky's sentence ("15 years of penal labour"), and on sentences handed out to nineteen other Jewish defendants. Printed on the day following the sentencing, April 20, 1920. Hebrew.
[1] f., 36.5 cm.
2. A proclamation in support of Jabotinsky, published by "Ahdut HaAvoda, " the political party headed by David Ben-Gurion. Hasolel Press, 1920. Hebrew.
[1] f. 29X10 cm.
3. Official copy (print) of the British army's press release, proclaiming the commutation of Jabotinsky's sentence. Prepared by Field-marshal Allenby's Chief of Staff, Colonel Bertie Harry Waters-Taylor on May 12, 1920 (the original announcement was made public on April 29) English.
[1] f., 27 cm.
Condition varies. Minor stains, creases and blemishes. Several pinholes and tears (some repaired with acid-free tape). Inked stamp, handwritten inscription and filing holes to press release.
In April 1920, Ze'ev Jabotinsky was put on trial by the British authorities for the part he played in the 1920 Jerusalem riots, namely, his attempt to organize a Jewish defensive force in Jerusalem. Following a speedy trial, he was sentenced to 15 years of penal labour. The sentence was heavily criticized in Palestine and abroad, and as a result of the public outcry, was eventually commuted.
Provenance: The Rimon Family Collection.