The Lavon Institute Film Compilation features the General Organisation of Workers in Israel (aka Histadrut)’s body of work from its inception all the way back in the 1920s, and throughout the growth and development of Jewish communities in Palestine under British Mandatory Rule, and in Israel after the state was established.
The various films available in the compilation contain footage that captures the coming together of the various cells that would go on to become the Labour Movement, as well as the construction of new cities across the land, and the documenting of the movement’s efforts to take in, assimilate, and integrate the swathes of Jewish immigrants that were pouring into the country. Other areas of focus include the movement’s work and impact on the country’s economic development, its role and involvement in public service, the work of its youth movement, the founding of the female workers’ council, professional training provision for women, and a range of gender issues. Additional films about the Histadrut and the Labour Movement’s past leaders are also available. This is a collection whose historical significance cannot be stated enough, and which offers an invaluable wealth of information to scholars, filmmakers, students, museums, various organisations, and so forth. The compilation is the property of the Lavon Institute that has entrusted it in the hands of the Israeli Film Archive. The archive is responsible for its management, maintenance, scientific preservation, and ongoing availability to the general public.
