During the second half of the 19th century, members of the Jewish Enlightenment Movement (Maskilim) and philanthropists from the Diaspora initiated the establishment of modern schools for the Jews living in Eretz Israel.Before then,schools were run by traditional religious Haredim (strictly religious Jews). Initially there was fierce opposition to the modern schools, from the Haredim, who were the majority of the Jewish population in Eretz Israel, and this deterred the founders who suspended their p lans.
In 1854 Dr.Albert Cohen,Baron de Rothschild's secretary, came to Jerusalem from Paris and founded a hospital and a school for girls. A year later, Moses Montefiore set up another girls'school. The first schools opened and closed in turn due to lack of resources and teachers and antagonistic relations with the Haredim.
The “Lemel” School for Boys was opened in 1856, followed by a number of schools established by organizations such as the Alliance Israélite Universelle, the Hilfsverein der Deutschen Juden and others. In these schools,secular studies were added to the curriculum and some of them taught Hebrew.
Towards the end of the 19th century another educational reform took place in Eretz Israel: the national Zionist revolution. In 1889 “The Hebrew School” was founded in Jaffa which became a model for Hebrew education.
In the agricultural villages (“moshavot”) three different types of schools developed: the traditional religious school, modern schools, influenced by the Baron de Rothschild's administration, and national, schools initiated by the Hebrew teachers who created the national symbols and culture, thus shaping the New Hebrew generation.
The first attempt in 1892 by the Hebrew teachers to create a unified education policy failed. However, in 1903, "The Hebrew Teachers Organization" was founded in Zikhron Yaaqov and a new curriculum for Hebrew education was developed by 1907. Following the “language war” that broke out in 1913, disputing the use of German in the Technion instead of Hebrew as the language of instruction, the Zionist Organization took over the Hebrew schools in Eretz Israel and a central Zionist education authority was established.

“Lemel” Elementry School, Jerusalem
In May 1856 the Jewish Maskil and poet, Dr.L.A. Frankel, came to Jerusalem,representing Mrs.Lift Hertz from Vienna, in order to establish a modern school in the memory of her father. His innovative school curriculum included emotional and aesthetic development, sports and music education. But Frankel faced fierce obstructions and ostracism, bordering on life threatening situations by the Haredim. Whilst the Ashkenazi Jews boycotted the school the Sepharadim supported it. Though the studies under the auspices and control of the Sepharadic community did not in the least resemble Frankel's original program, the opening of the Lemel School constituted a breakthrough for modern education of boys..

Size of Stamp: 40.0 mm X 30.8 mm

The World Expo organized every five years by the International Exhibitions Bureau is considered to be the “economic and cultural Olympics” Some 70 million visitors are expected to attend the Expo, which will be held in Shanghai, China from May 1st through October 31, 2010. The theme of the Shanghai Expo is “Better City, Better Life” 241 countries and international organizations are scheduled to participate in the Shanghai Expo, the largest ever, of which some 50 countries will present their nation's treasures in self built pavilions.

In October 2007, the Israeli government decided to participate in Expo 2010 in China and appointed the Foreign Ministry to manage the project. Israel's main goals at this prestigious international exhibition are to position Israel's spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship, gain exposure for Israeli high technologies and possible collaborations, strengthen Israel's ties with China and promote tourism to Israel. A group headed by architect Haim Dotan leads the planning, design and construction of the Israeli national pavilion jointly with designer Prosper Amir. Bearing the theme “Innovation for a Better Life” the 2000 m2 pavilion will present an array of Israel's capabilities and achievements.

The set of stamps issued for Expo 2010 feature Israeli innovations that have changed the world in three main areas: agriculture, high-tech and medicine.

Agriculture – Drip Irrigation
“Netafim”, global pioneer of drip irrigation, has led Israel's worldwide success in the realm of efficient irrigation and conservation of water for agriculture since its establishment.

The system was developed based on research by engineer Simcha Blass who discovered that plants develop better in close proximity to a designated water source. The “Netafim” company was established at Kibbutz Hatzerim in 1965 and proceeded to spread the word about drip irrigation throughout the world. This system combines plant irrigation and nourishment by dripping drops of water mixed with fertilizer directly into plant roots. In this manner larger, higher quality yields are achieved while also conserving water and energy.

Innovative products, adapted to various agricultural crops and to the utilization of alternative water sources, have been developed by “Netafim” over the years.

High-tech – Chips and Processors
“Intel Corporation” began its operations in Israel in 1974, with the establishment of its research and development center in Haifa, as initiated by Dov Frohman. This was the company's first R&D center outside the United States. Intel's Israeli operation played a significant role in laying the foundation for Israel's high-tech industry. The R&D center's success helped Dov Frohman persuade the parent company to also establish Intel's first production facility outside the US in Jerusalem in 1985. Intel's modern production facility in the town of Kiryat Gat, where some of the most advanced processors in the world are manufactured, is the company's crowning glory in Israel. Intel's R&D centers in Israel have contributed significantly to the company's success. Innovative and advanced processors that facilitate the capabilities, strength and speed of the world's computers have been and continue to be planned by these centers. Intel currently operates four R&D centers in Israel, located in Haifa, Petach Tikva, Jerusalem and Yakum, as well as two production facilities in Jerusalem and Kiryat Gat.

Medicine – Medical Devices
Given Imaging, an Israeli company located in Yokneam, is involved in the development, manufacturing and marketing of innovative, patient-friendly devices for the evaluation of gastrointestinal diseases. Given Imaging was the first company in the world to develop capsule endoscopy technology, a medical procedure in which a capsule containing a miniature camera is swallowed by the patient. The camera transmits high quality color images of the digestive system, providing the physician with the ability to visualize the gastrointestinal system. This procedure is non-invasive and causes no discomfort to the patient. The products are sold in over 70 countries. To date more than one million patients in over 5,000 medical centers worldwide have benefited from PillCam capsule endoscopy.

The stamps are issued in decorated sheets, designed in a special format. The image of the Israeli pavilion at Expo 2010 Shanghai has been incorporated into the center of each sheet. The pavilion's innovative architecture symbolizes dialog, momentum and breakthrough. The pinnacle of Israeli technological innovation and development will be presented in a spectacular multimedia show through the use of the latest visual means available. The pavilion's central location within the Expo grounds will allow the Israeli show to gain visitors' attention, despite competition from many spectacular national pavilions.