Israeli commemorative medals of Festivals and Competitions

The source of several pictures is Liderman Coins Tel Aviv and Ebay Seller Isranotes. Thanks!

The International Bible Contest

The International Bible Contest we know today is a quiz for Jewish youth, broadcast live every year on Yom HaAtzmaut, Israeli Independence Day. But the contest was originally a Bible quiz for adults, launched during the state's celebrations of its first decade of existence. Back then, the contestants were not only Jews, but people from all over the world. The first three medals show Hebrew texts as well as Greek texts from the Septuagint. The medal of 1981 dropped the Greek text and replaced French by English.
The first International Bible Contest was held on August 19, 1958, at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Givat Ram Campus and the winner was Amos Hakham.
Read here the fascinating story about Amos Hakham.

		The Second International Bible Contest 1961 Front: An ancient scroll and a jar containing the Dead Sea Scrolls. On the rim, Hebrew and French texts. Back: An antique Jewish oil lamp showing the seven-branched candelabra in relief. Above this the text "O, How I love thy Torah" (Psalms 119:97). In a semi-circle above, the same verse in ancient Greek based upon the Septuagint. Diameter 59 mm 1961 issue: Bronze, Weight  115 gram 1969 issue: Tombac, Weight 98 gram
		The Third International Bible Contest 1964 Front: In the center, A Torah crown fashioned from the three letters of the Hebrew "Tanach" (Torah, Profets, Writings). On the rim, Hebrew and French texts. Back: An antique Jewish oil lamp showing the seven-branched candelabra in relief. Above this the text "O, How I love thy Torah" (Psalms 119:97). In a semi-circle above, the same verse in ancient Greek based upon the Septuagint. Tombac Diameter 59 mm
		The Fourth International Bible Contest 1969 Front: In the center, A Torah crown fashioned from the three letters of the Hebrew "Tanach" (Torah, Profets, Writings). On the rim, Hebrew and French texts. Back: An antique Jewish oil lamp showing the seven-branched candelabra in relief. Above this the text "O, How I love thy Torah" (Psalms 119:97). In a semi-circle above, the same verse in ancient Greek based upon the Septuagint. Tombac Diameter 59 mm
		The Fifth International Bible Contest 1981 Front: In the center, the prophesy "Many peoples of many languages will come to Jerusalem to Seek the Lord" Zachariah 8:22). On the rim, Hebrew and English texts. Back: An antique Jewish oil lamp showing the seven-branched candelabra in relief. Above this the text "And they understood the reading of the Bible" together with the source (Nehemia 8:8) in Hebrew and English. Tombac Diameter 59 mm

The International Harp Contest

The International Harp Contest in Israel was founded by Aharon Zvi Propes in 1959. Since then, harpists from all over the world have taken part in the competition, which is held every three years in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The competition is the only one of its kind. It was established in Jerusalem because of the city's connection to the harp-playing King David.

		First International Harp Contest Copper Diameter 61 mm 1959 Bronze Diameter 59 mm 1960
		Second International Harp Contest 1962 Official Medal 1962 / 5722 Diameter 59 mm 1962 issue: Bronze, Weight  120 gram 1969 issue: Tombac, Weight 96 gram
		Third International Harp Contest 1965 Official Medal Tombac Diameter 59 mm
		Fourth International Harp Contest 1970 Tombac Diameter 59 mm
		Fifth International Harp Contest 1973 Bronze Diameter 59 mm
		Sixth International Harp Contest 1976 Bronze Diameter 59 mm

The Pablo Casals International Violoncello Competition

Pablo Casals The Third Pablo Casals International Violoncello Competition Official Medal 1961 / 5722 Diameter 59 mm 1961 issue: Bronze, Weight  113 gram 1961 issue: Tombac, Weight 95 gram With or without dedication on the back

The Israel Festival

The Israel Festival started in 1961 as a summer festival for classical music in the ancient Roman theater in Caesarea. Throughout the years, the festival has expanded to include a diverse range of art disciplines and activity centers, with recent festivals featuring classical music, ballet, jazz, theater, visual arts, and lectures, combining high-quality programs from Israel and abroad. From 1982 onwards, the Israel Festival was adopted by the City of Jerusalem, and most shows are held within its boundaries.

		The Second Music and Drama Festival Official Medal 1962 / 5722 Diameter 59 mm 1962 issue: Bronze, Weight  120 gram 1969 issue: Tombac, Weight 96 gram
		The Third Israel Festival Official Medal 1963 / 5723 Diameter 59 mm 1963 issue: Bronze, Weight  116 gram 1963 issue: Tombac, Weight 100 gram
		The Fourth Israel Festival Official Medal 1964 / 5724 Tombac Diameter 59 mm
		The Fifth Israel Festival Official Medal 1965 / 5725 Tombac Diameter 59 mm
		The Sixth Israel Festival 1973 Tombac Diameter 59 mm

Israel Choir Festival "Zimriya"

The Zimriya is an international gathering of choirs held in Israel, primarily in Acre. The first Zimriya was initiated by A. Z. Propes in 1952. Members of choirs from Israel and abroad spend 4 days studying new works for choir with internationally renowned choral conductors who contribute their skills and time to the Zimriya. All concerts are open to the public.

		The Eighth Israeli Choir Festival "Zimriya" 1973 Tombac Diameter 59 mm
		The Ninth Israeli Choir Festival "Zimriya" 1975 Tombac Diameter 59 mm
		The Tenth Israeli Choir Festival "Zimriya" 1977 Tombac Diameter 59 mm

Eurovision Song Contest

Israel hosted the Eurovision song contest in 1979 in Jerusalem after winning the previous year in Paris.

		Eurovion Contest 1979 Bronze Diameter 59 mm
		Eurovion Contest 1979 Gold Plated Bronze Diameter 59 mm