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In November 1947, three graphic designers in Eretz Israel were invited to submit proposals for the first set of stamps that would be issued in the soon to be established Jewish State. The stamps designed by Otte Wallish, featuring ancient coins from the Second Temple period and the Bar Kochba revolt were selected for the State of Israel’s first stamps. This symbolized the renewal of Jewish governance in Eretz Israel after 2000 years in exile. Preparations for printing the new state’s initial stamps commenced five weeks prior to the scheduled declaration of independence date. Those involved faced numerous difficulties, including the need for secrecy whilst the British Mandate still ruled in Eretz Israel, as well as severe shortages that existed in the midst of the War of Independence. It was not clear what should appear on the stamps, as the name of the future state was not yet finalized when they were being prepared. On March 21, Otte Wallish prepared a stamp that featured the name of the state as Yehuda and on March 25, he prepared another version in which the name appeared as Eretz Israel. Eventually, a compromise was reached and the more neutral Doar Ivri (Hebrew Post) appeared on the first stamps. A photo of that occasion appears on the stamp, featuring designer Otte Wallish on the right, with the postal company supervisor Dr. Moshe Hazaki standing to his left, alongside a printing press operator as they examined the new stamps. A Doar Ivri stamp with a nominal value of 250 mils is in the background and the stamp tab features the plate with which it was printed. Today, the printing plate and the original printing press are on display at the Alexander Museum of Postal History and Philately at MUSA Eretz Israel Museum Tel Aviv. A photo of the printing press appears on the First Day Cover, as well as a sheet of Doar Ivri stamps with a nominal value of 1000 mils in the background. The strenuous task was completed on time, and on Sunday May 16, 1948, the Doar Ivri stamps went on sale at all post offices belonging to the newly founded State of Israel. To all philatelic items issued on December 2023
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