In the midst of the 1948 War of Independence, an IDF soldier and his best girl take a beach break to cool off from the August heat.
In the midst of the 1948 War of Independence, an IDF soldier and his best girl take a beach break to cool off from the August heat.

For Tu B’Av, enjoy 9 sweet photos of Israelis in love

By Rachel Neiman, Israel21c | August 16, 2019

Tu B’Av (literally, the 15th of the month of Av) is a minor Jewish holiday that has become a major driver for late summer romance and romantic gift giving.

In fact, a recent study by the Jewish People Policy Institute found that while most Israelis know about Tu b’Av, only one in 10 is familiar with Valentine’s Day.

The survey of 3,000 Israeli Jews found that 37% planned to purchase a gift or flowers for their spouse for Tu b’Av, compared with 19% for Valentine’s Day and 34% of Israelis said they would “do something romantic” with their partner on Tu b’Av, compared with 21% on Valentine’s Day.

In honor of Tu B’Av — this year, coinciding with August 16 — Israel21 presents a selection from the National Photograph Collection, which isn’t limited to merely photographing politicians shaking hands with visiting dignitaries, but actually presents a kind of “photographic history book” of the State of Israel.

Enjoy the photos of lovers in love, as documented by Government Press Office photographers, from the earliest days of pre-State Israel and up until the present day.

This charming picture of an elderly couple holding hands in their backyard was captured in 1933 by Zoltan Kluger, a famous photographer of pre-State Israel.
This charming picture of an elderly couple holding hands in their backyard was captured in 1933 by Zoltan Kluger, a famous photographer of pre-State Israel.
Cars were a luxury that few could afford in in 1950s Israel. Motorcycles were an option for young couples like this one.
Cars were a luxury that few could afford in in 1950s Israel. Motorcycles were an option for young couples like this one.
A couple walking hand in hand toward the Jaffa shore in 1963, from the top of what is today Old Jaffa’s Gan HaPisga (Summit Garden).
A couple walking hand in hand toward the Jaffa shore in 1963, from the top of what is today Old Jaffa’s Gan HaPisga (Summit Garden).
A young couple relaxing on the lawn outside the ancient walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, 1983.
A young couple relaxing on the lawn outside the ancient walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, 1983.
An Ethiopian Jewish couple at a temporary absorption center in Jerusalem’s Diplomat Hotel, after being airlifted to Israel in 1991’s Operation Solomon.
An Ethiopian Jewish couple at a temporary absorption center in Jerusalem’s Diplomat Hotel, after being airlifted to Israel in 1991’s Operation Solomon.
A couple waves the pride flag on Jerusalem’s King David Street at the 2007 Gay Pride Parade in Jerusalem.
A couple waves the pride flag on Jerusalem’s King David Street at the 2007 Gay Pride Parade in Jerusalem.
A kissing couple riding their Segway personal transporters around TelAviv.
A kissing couple riding their Segway personal transporters around TelAviv.
A haredi Jewish couple out walking after a 2013 snowstorm blanketed Jerusalem for several days.
A haredi Jewish couple out walking after a 2013 snowstorm blanketed Jerusalem for several days.
Rachel Neiman
Rachel Neiman

Rachel Neiman is a marketing and PR professional working with innovation-based companies, and writes a bi-monthly column about Israeli nostalgia for Israel21c. She lives in Jerusalem.

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