KKL-JNF releases rare collection of ’40s–’50s summer photographs of childhood in Israel

“These historic photographs are a powerful reminder of the simplicity, innocence, and sense of freedom that once defined Israeli childhood,” said KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski.

Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) released a rare collection of photographs that offer a glimpse into summer vacations in the State of Israel during the 1940s and 1950s.

The rare photographs highlight the unique atmosphere of childhood in Israel’s early days, preserved through the lenses of some of the country’s most iconic photographers, the organization shared on Sunday.

The pictures include moments such as children playing music on the lawn near their homes, teens setting up summer camps beneath the trees, young children enjoying piles of fresh corn cobs, games in alleyways, and toddlers spending time together in the open air.

Moments that once defined Israeli childhood

KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski, “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.”

She continued, “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.”

“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,” Ovadia-Luski concluded.