Curio Auctions and CMBM-Israel are joining forces for an exclusive charity auction, to be held on Feb. 27, dedicated to supporting families of hostages held in Gaza and Israel Defense Forces soldiers returning from the front lines. The event seeks to raise essential funds to address the psychological wounds of the Oct. 7 attacks and the ongoing war, providing much-needed PTSD treatment and mental-health support to those most deeply affected.
Under the theme “Healing PTSD of Hostage Families and Our IDF Soldiers,” the auction invites bidders to acquire historic treasures connected to Israel’s builders and defenders. Each item has been meticulously sourced by Curio Auctions’ curators, offering donors an opportunity to enrich their personal collections while making a meaningful contribution to lives devastated by war.
Proceeds from the auction will support CMBM-Israel, a nonprofit organization that has been healing trauma in Israel since 2002.
CMBM-Israel specializes in training mental-health professionals and community leaders to provide trauma relief. Funds raised will directly expand the organization’s PTSD-focused programs, which are critical for the families of hostages enduring unimaginable stress and IDF soldiers grappling with the psychological toll of combat.
“CMBM-Israel has been a beacon of hope for communities facing the aftermath of violence and trauma,” said board chairman, Lt. Col. (Res.) Danny Grossman. “With the support of donors and collectors at this charity auction, we can ensure these families and soldiers receive the care and resources they need to heal.”
The auction catalog features an array of heirlooms and artifacts that reflect the resilience and history of Israel. These rare and symbolic treasures not only honor the country’s enduring spirit but invite bidders to connect with Israel’s story in a deeply personal way.
Supporters are encouraged to bid generously on these Zionist treasures to create a lasting impact. “This is a moment to combine charitable giving with acquiring meaningful heirlooms,” said Jay Shultz, president of the Am Yisrael Foundation. “Each bid helps families rebuild their lives and strengthens the connection between the Jewish people and Israel for future generations.”
The auction offers an extraordinary collection of historical artifacts that celebrate the resilience, spirit and heritage of the Jewish people and State of Israel. From iconic 1948 military memorabilia to personal mementos of influential Zionist leaders, these items provide a profound connection to milestones in the nation’s journey, while supporting PTSD treatment for hostage families and IDF soldiers.
Among the items up for auction:
- The Angel of Israel Brooch by Salvador Dali (1966):
A gold-toned brooch honoring Israel’s 18th birthday, featuring an angelic design with Hebrew lettering and a gemstone-set staff. - IDF Chief Military Rabbinate Chanukah Menorah (circa 1967):
An aluminum menorah commemorating the 1967 Six-Day War, adorned with Hebrew inscriptions and the IDF emblem. - Mossad Spy’s ‘Illustrated Book of Psalms’ (1948):
A rare pocket-sized edition of Psalms illustrated by Mossad spymaster Shlomo Cohen-Abravanel during the War of Independence. Featuring themes of redemption and self-defense, this first edition is steeped in Zionist history. - Menachem Begin-Signed Irgun (Etzel) Recruitment Flier:
A World War II-era flier recruiting soldiers for the Zionist paramilitary group Irgun (Etzel), double-signed by Menachem Begin, who was its commander and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. It is a poignant relic of the Zionist struggle during British Mandate Palestine. - Ze’ev Jabotinsky Historic Handwritten Letter (1924):
A signed 1924 letter by Zionist leader Ze’ev Jabotinsky reflecting on critical issues of the time, such as the U.S. immigration act and the Jewish struggle against British Mandate policies. It is a deeply personal and strategic artifact from one of Zionism’s visionaries. - Winston Churchill World War II Recruitment Label:
A rare label designed by Lev Dikstein encouraging Jewish enlistment against Nazism. It is an emblem of hope and resistance. - Exodus, First English Printing in Israel:
A rare, first edition of the book Exodus (in English) by Leon Uris, signed by Israeli leaders including David Ben-Gurion and Golda Meir, commemorating the spirit of Israel’s founding era. - ‘Life’ Magazine, June 23, 1967:
A copy of the iconic magazine from the 1967 Six-Day War, which was owned by retired Gen. Yosi Ben-Hanan and donated by his daughter, Yoni, shows Ben-Hanan as a lieutenant clutching an AK-47 rifle in the Suez Canal.
Each artifact is a window into history, offering bidders the chance to own pieces of Israel’s heritage while supporting vital mental-health programs.
For more details, photographs for publication and bidding information, visit: CurioAuctions.com/cmbm.
Media Contacts: Curio Auctions, email: hello@curioauctions.com; Phone: +972.54.233.6663, and CMBM-Israel, email: office@cmbm-israel.org; Phone: 050-711-8119.