The historic “PhotoHouse” shop on Allenby Street in Tel Aviv was severely damaged in a recent Iranian missile attack. But what exactly was the life’s work of photographer Rudi Weissenstein, and why does it hold a special place in so many hearts?
Revealed: Who Was “The State of Israel’s First Baby”?
Among the National Library’s photography collections, one particularly adorable discovery caught our eye: a series of images titled “The State of Israel’s First Baby.” There were no other identifying details. Solving the mystery took a bit of detective work, some help from kind strangers, and a stroke of luck. But eventually, we found the birthday girl—and she even gave us a special interview.
Dan Hadani, a 100-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor, Still Remembers
Dunek Zloczewski lost everything he had in the Holocaust: his daily routine, his entire family, and his faith in humanity. Along the way, he survived Auschwitz, Mengele’s selections, harsh labor, and a death march. He built a new life for himself in Israel as Dan Hadani – a photographer and journalist with an important role in documenting the country’s history. For decades, he repressed his memories of the Holocaust and only began telling the story of that part of his life at the age of 92.
More Than a Thousand Words: Hannah Senesh’s Photographs
Hannah Senesh had a poetic view of the world, as reflected in her own words – her poems, diaries and other writings. But the young paratrooper also left behind another, less well-known viewpoint, as documented through the lens of her camera.
Dan Hadani: A Life Documenting Israel
The story of how one man’s successful photography company was able to document life in Israel across several decades. Why did he later decide to destroy his life’s work? Dan Hadani is celebrating his 100th birthday, and to mark it he told us of his personal journey which led him to granting all of us an invaluable gift of photographic documentation. This was his creation – now it’s our story.
Living the Good Life in a Nazi Death Camp: The SS at Sobibor
These photos reveal the leisure activities of the SS members who lived on the grounds of the Sobibor extermination camp
Desert Temples, Ancient Tombs & Tank Battles: Scenes From the Life of a Photographer
Zev Radovan has been taking photos since 1965, in Israel and around the world. He and his camera were given the kind of access that few people receive. As a result, Radovan was able to document some incredible locations and moments in history. His archive of photographs can now be found at the National Library of Israel…
A Look at Jewish Artisans and Crafts in Morocco
The story behind the professions of Moroccan Jews, including a look at some unique photographs documenting Jewish artisans in Morocco in 1953
A Celebrity’s Guide to Israel…
Some of the world’s biggest celebrities have graced Israel’s shores over the years. Among them were some true “Israel lovers.” Here’s a look at several typical stops on Israel’s classic celebrity tourist trail…
Moshe Dayan: A Life in Pictures
The Israeli general and politician Moshe Dayan was one of the most iconic and photogenic figures in the country’s history. We dove into the National Library collections and selected a handful of pictures that captured both historic and personal moments in his eventful life
