Original Wraps. 8vo. [4], 26, [2] pages. 17 x 24 cm. First edition. "Drawings by Otte Wallisch; text by E. Mechner. " Eretz Israel, Facts and Figures, published by the Head Offices of Keren Hayesod and Keren Kayemeth Leisrael, Jerusalem, 5698 (1937/38) ; distributed by the United Palestine Appeal, New York City. $4, 500, 000 in 1938 is the goal of United Palestine Appeal - p. [2]. Illustrated brochure by the United Palestine Appeal detailing the cultural and material progress, immigration statistics and demographics, agricultural and industrial developement, development of Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, J. N. F. Land, etc. Each page contains graphs, maps, charts, or other illustrations to depict the figures. Otte Wallish (19031977) was an emigre to Israel who established himself as a graphic designer and contributed to the symbolic self-representation of the Jewish state
. In 1936, Wallish set up a design studio in a building in Nahalat Binyamin, Tel Aviv, that had been chosen as a national landmark. His design studio doubled as a kind of front for SHA'I, the Haganah's secret service
. Wallish was responsible for the calligraphy and design of the scroll for Israel's Declaration of Independence.
In addition, Walisch handled the preparation of the exhibit hall in which the State's Independence was announced.
In 1948, too, Wallish took the lead in designing Israel's first postage stamps. He chose a design based on ancient coins, found in archaeological research on the First Jewish-Roman War and the Bar Kochba Revolt
. Wallish continued to be a leading designer of Israeli stamps
. Israel's first coins were designed from a proposal submitted by Israel Numismatic Society proposal, put together with Leo Kadman, Hanan Pavel, and Wallish. He also designed paper currency for Israel
. Over the years, Wallish also designed posters. For instance, one poster shows the Jewish immigration by ship and another promotes the ZIM shipping line. His posters have been featured in exhibition and the 1997 Selling Zionism exhibit at the Israel Museum. In 2006, a Wallish poster was shown at The New Hebrews: 100 Years of Art in Israel exhibit, Martin-Gropius-Bau in Berlin
. His posters are displayed as well at the Central Zionist Archives and the Tel Aviv Museum (Wikipedia 2015) . Subjects: Keren Hayesod; Jewish National Fund; United Israel Appeal. Oclc lists 11 copies. Light wear to wraps, institutional stamp on verso of title page, otherwise clean. Very good condition. (ZION-7-43)
