Commemorative Medals dedicated to the Etzel (Irgun) underground organization

The National Military Organization in the Land of Israel, (in Hebrew: Irgun Tzva'i Leumi) often abbreviated as Etzel or Irgun, was a Zionist paramilitary organization that operated in the Land of Israel between 1931 and 1948 when that was still called Mandatory Palestine.

The Revolt

On February 1, 1944, the Irgun put up posters all around the country, proclaiming a revolt against the British mandatory government. The posters began by saying that all of the Zionist movements stood by the Allied Forces and over 25,000 Jews had enlisted in the British military. The hope to establish a Jewish army had died. European Jewry was trapped and was being destroyed, yet Britain, for its part, did not allow any rescue missions. The Irgun declared that, for its part, the ceasefire was over and they were now at war with the British.

		Front: Twenty years to opening of the Second Front 1946-1966 Back: Emblem of the Etzel above the text Hativat Hagola (Diaspora Division) Diameter 35 mm The Etzel issued this medal to their members abroad in 1966, celebrating 20 years of opening the "second front" against the British, by blowing up the British Embassy in Rome. Click here to see the invitation to a ceremony held in New York where the medals were distributed.
		An unfinished medal of above type, not covered by nickel
		Convention of former Etzel and Lehi members in Jerusalem 1973 Diameter 45 mm Bronze
		Front: Thirty year Independence of Israel Convention of Etzel fighters Back: 35th Anniversary of the declaration of the Revolt In the center the emblem of the Etzel: a hand holding a rifle above the map of Biblical Israel, and "raq kach" ("only thus") written below. 1.2.1944 - 4.2.1979 Bronze 59 mm
		Official Award Medal 1984 Front: Part of a poem written by the Zionist leader Zeev Jabotinsky in Paris in 1932, calling for revolt: Carry the flame to kindle (Revolt) Around this: Thirty five year Independence of Israel Back: 40th Anniversary of the declaration of the Revolt 1.2.1944 Convention of Etzel fighters Bronze 59 mm
		50 Years From Revolt to Independence Diameter 50 mm