Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund is releasing a rare collection of photographs that offer a window into summer vacations in the Land of Israel during the 1940s and 1950s.
In an era before screens and air conditioning, children spent their summers outdoors—in the open landscapes of Israel, in kibbutzim, cities and neighborhoods. From sleeping in tents at summer camps to playing music together at dusk, running through fields and nature and forming lifelong friendships, these experiences defined the summer for an entire generation—both in the years leading up to the establishment of the state and in its formative early years.
“These historic photographs are a powerful reminder of the simplicity, innocence, and sense of freedom that once defined Israeli childhood—deeply connected to the land, the soil and the community,” said Ifat Ovadia-Luski, chairwoman of KKL-JNF.
The rare photos capture small, magical moments from that world: kids playing music on the lawn near their homes, teens setting up camps beneath the trees, young children enjoying piles of fresh corn cobs, games in alleyways and toddlers spending time together in the open air.
“KKL-JNF’s archive tells the story of generations of children who grew up here, even before the establishment of the state, and shows how the landscapes and shared life helped shape a hopeful Israeli identity,” Ovadia-Luski said. “To this day, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund remains committed to those same values: rootedness, community and a deep love for the Land of Israel.”
