May 18, 1965
Syria Hangs Eli Cohen
On this day, May 18, 1965, Syrian authorities hanged Eli Cohen in Damascus. He had been convicted of spying for Israel.
Middle East
Thursday, November 5, 2026
Explore Jewish history.
Search published stories by person, place, topic, or verified Gregorian date.
Public archive
34 stories
Sorted by historical date, newest first
1958
Avigdor Lieberman Is Born
Avigdor Lieberman was born in Kishinev in 1958. Published notices do not agree on the day.
Europe
May 1951
February 14, 1949
First Knesset Convenes
On this day, February 14, 1949, Israel’s First Knesset held its inaugural session in Jerusalem. Yosef Sprinzak was elected speaker.
Middle East
January 25, 1949
Israel Holds Its First Knesset Election
On this day, January 25, 1949, Israel held its first national election. Mapai, led by David Ben-Gurion, won the largest share of the 120-seat assembly.
Israel
May 26, 1948
The Israel Defense Forces Are Established
On May 26, 1948, David Ben-Gurion signed the ordinance that established the Israel Defense Forces and barred any other armed force.
IsraelAntisemitismZionismJews in Politics
Israel
May 14, 1948
Israel Declares Independence
On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion read the Declaration of Independence at the Tel Aviv Museum, eight hours before the British Mandate ended.
IsraelHolocaustZionismJews in Politics
Israel
August 1944
July 1940
Max Bodenheimer Dies in Jerusalem
In July 1940, Max Bodenheimer died in Jerusalem. He had accompanied Theodor Herzl to Constantinople and Palestine in 1898.
Europe
February 26, 1928
Ariel Sharon Is Born
On February 26, 1928, Ariel Sharon was born in Kfar Malal. He later served as prime minister of Israel.
Israel
February 17, 1925
Florence Prag Kahn Is Elected to Congress
On 17 February 1925, Florence Prag Kahn won a special election and became the first Jewish woman in Congress.
United States
April 9, 1923
Shlomo Hillel Is Born
On April 9, 1923, Shlomo Hillel was born in Baghdad. He later organized the airlift of Iraqi Jews to Israel.
IsraelJews in PoliticsAntisemitismZionism
Middle East