Memorial Day 1991, Memorial of Israeli Intelligence Community Stamp

Date of issue, 9th April, 1991. The origins of the Israeli Intelligence Community can be traced back towards the end of the last centruy, when it played a part in founding Jewish settlements in pre-state Israel. During the Second World War, prior to the establishment of the State, the Intelligence Community aided immigration and was involved in Jewish underground organizations. Since the War of Independence, members of the Intelligence Community have been at the forefront of every campaign, helping the leaders of the nation in reaching the right decisions. Members of the Intelligence Community have given their lives both in Israel’s wars and during the periods in between. Some of them have remained anonymous, while others could not even be brought to Israel for burial. Members of the Community, together with the bereaved families spent time determining how best to perpetuate the memory of their loved ones. They established a memorial site that is viatl and active, creating a Centre that passes on the values of the Community to future generations.

The Centre (C.S.S) was inaugrated in July 1985 at G’lilot north of Tel Aviv. The Memorial section of the site has the form of a labyrinth built from sandstone, characteristic to the coastal plain. The labyrinth itself is divided into six courtyards interconnected by convoluted walkways which interweave between them. This concept symbolizes the structure of the human brain as well as the complex thought processes that characterize intelligence work. Each courtyard represents a diffrent period in the history of the Israeli-Arab conflict. On the walls the names of those who died are inscribed. There is a special corner dedicated to those members of the Intelligence Community whose names may still not be revealed. The complex is completed by the Ohel-Shem (The Shrine). In this building are the personal dossiers of the fallen, containing their biographies and bearing witness to their deeds. The Centre has many intense educational activities, and a professional library together with a computerized information centre and includes a collection of captured enemy documents.

The stamp with an information sheet are enclosed in a plastic protection sheet.