Israel — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

Israel Post (דואר ישראל) is Israel’s national postal operator, a government company. Israel’s stamp programme is one of the world’s most carefully followed: stamps have been issued since May 1948 — literally days after Israel’s declaration of independence — and each new issue is eagerly anticipated by collectors worldwide. Israel’s stamps are notable for the tab block format: stamps printed with attached tabs at the bottom containing inscription or design details, creating a distinctive collecting format unique to Israeli philately.

Notable Stamp Issues

Israel’s first stamps — the Doar Ivri (Hebrew Post) series — appeared 16 May 1948, just two days after independence was declared on 14 May. These ancient coin design stamps in seven denominations are Israel’s birth certificates in philatelic form. The 1950 Jewish New Year stamps established an annual tradition. Israel’s stamps have covered every aspect of Jewish heritage, Biblical history, the Holocaust (Yad Vashem commemoratives), Zionist history, and Israeli culture. The Menorah definitives and subsequent flag definitives are classic Israeli stamps. The 2021 COVID-19 vaccine stamps reflect the country’s global vaccination leadership.

Collecting Tips

The Carmel Israel Stamp Catalogue is the standard Israeli reference. Tab blocks (a stamp with its attached descriptive tab at the bottom) are the preferred Israeli collecting format — tabs add significant value. Israel produces joint issues with many countries. Israeli stamps on Biblical subjects (the Twelve Tribes, Jerusalem architecture, Dead Sea Scrolls) attract religious thematic collectors worldwide. Stamps commemorating the Holocaust are among philately’s most historically charged modern issues. First-day covers from Tel Aviv are popular.

Part of the Asia Postal Directory.