ABSTRACT
The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam was packed on Sunday 16 May 1948. Jews had come together from all over the country to celebrate the proclamation of the new Jewish state of Israel. They were received by Jewish scouts and guides, who saluted them. Everywhere, indoors and out, the new blue‐and‐white Israeli flag was on display. ‘Long live the Jewish State’ was the continual cry. The countless visitors were filled with happiness and enthusiasm, mixed with profound emotion.
