Years passed before the Yishuv began to inhabit the Negev
after returning to the Land of Israel during the modern era.
The first attempt was the
establishment of Ruhama in 1911, but it was abandoned after World War I. Ruhama
was the southernmost point in the country for many years until the
establishment of "The three lookouts" settlements in 1943: Beit
Eshel, Gvulot, and Revivim. The development continued with the "11 Points
Operation" on Yom Kippur in 1946, establishing eleven settlements in the
region.
After the establishment of
the state, David Ben-Gurion encouraged the development of the Negev, and
additional settlements were established. The residents developed advanced agricultural
methods suitable for the desert climate, turning barren land into flourishing
areas.
The Negev has been presented in
Posters and handbills from our graphic collections since the 1940s. The Posters
have focused on the new settlement in the Negev, tours to explore the region,
cinematic presentations, and agricultural developments.
Handbill on behalf of the
Young Guard of the Mapai Party invites youth to a lecture about the Negev
and new settlement, featuring Dr. Zeev Vilnai. July 1944. (KRU\12986)
Handbill informs about
the screening of the film "A Land Unknown" about the Negev, initiated
by the Young Guard of the Mapai Party. January 1946. (KRU\12985)
Invitation to a tour for one day to
settlement points in the South and Western Negev, organized by Tnuat HaMizrahi
in the Land of Israel, March 1946. (KRU\8854)
Poster on behalf of the
Jewish National Fund after Completion of the "11 Points Operation"
asking the public to continue and contribute to establishing additional
settlements, 1946. (KRA\16)
Poster on behalf of the
Jewish National Fund from 1947 encouraging settlement in the Negev, printed in
various languages. (KRA\65)
"Salty water never
tasted sweeter" – Poster on behalf of the United Jewish Appeal to
raise donations for agriculture in the Negev, utilizing advanced scientific
technologies to grow fruits and vegetables in salty water. (KRA\2073)
Poster on behalf of
the Jewish National Fund from the nineties about the "Action Plan
Negev" project, which assisted the development of settlements in the
Negev. (KRA\1835)