ISRAEL. Republic. 1948-present. Medal 1966 (Silver, 45 mm, 40.12 g, 12 h), on Edmond and James Rothschild. By P. Vincze, Rome. EDMOND DE ROTHSCHILD FATHER OF THE YISHUV AND HIS SON / JAMES WHO GAVE / THE KNESSET / ITS HOME / אדמונד דה-רוטשילד / בונה משכן-/ אבי הישוב ובנו ג'ינס l הכנסת Two medallions of Edmond and James Rothschild. Rev. Three sets of figures symbolizing the major achievements of the Rothschilds and PICA, in Israel (agriculture, education, industry); above, the Knesset. Matt. Tiny marks, otherwise, good extremely fine.


Baron Edmond (Abraham Benjamin) de Rothschild, a member of the prominent Rothschild banking family, was born in 1845. In Jewish history, he earned the enduring title of “HaNadiv HaYadua” (the Famous Benefactor). He is widely credited with rescuing early Jewish settlements in Palestine from economic collapse and for supporting the establishment of new ones. Between 1887 and 1925, he visited the region five times. In 1924, he founded the Palestine Jewish Colonization Association (PICA), which acquired over 125,000 acres (approximately 50,600 hectares) of land and launched various agricultural and industrial enterprises.

Baron Rothschild also supported the political work of Chaim Weizmann and made substantial contributions to cultural and educational institutions. In 1954, his remains were brought to Israel and reinterred in Ramat HaNadiv, near Zichron Yaakov.

His son, James de Rothschild, expanded on his father's legacy and broadened the family's philanthropic impact. Upon his death in 1957, his will stipulated the dissolution of PICA, with its land transferred to the Jewish National Fund. A significant portion of his estate was allocated for the construction of the Knesset building in Jerusalem.