Beschreibung:

Large collection of paper items and objects (total of 604 items) related to Zim Shipping Lines. Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd – among the twenty largest cargo shipping companies in the world – founded on June 7th 1945 by the Jewish Agency, the Histadrut [General Federation of Laborers in the Land of Israel] and Israel Shipping Lines. The conception of establishment of a national shipping line company within Eretz Israel was promoted by David Ben Gurion and David Remez, eventually first Minister of Transportation of State of Israel. Name of company was proposed by David Remez according to the verse: “And ships [Zim] shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever” (Bamidbar 24, 24), and Rashi explains Zim – large ships. Another version suggests that “ZIM” is initials for “Zi Yami Mischari” [commercial marine fleet]. In 1947 the first Zim ship was purchased, in partnership with the London based Harris & Dixon company – the “Keda”, which was renovated and renamed “Kedma” (arrived in Israel in summer of 1947). The main objective of the company during its first years was the transporting of hundreds of thousands of immigrants and refugees to the State of Israel. Several ships of “Tzi HaTzalalim” – ships carrying illegal immigrants detained by British Mandate – joined Zim following the establishment of the State, including the largest ships carrying illegal immigrants detained by the British Mandate, “Pan York” and “Pan Crescent”, which anchored in Cyprus, to where they were led by the British. The ship crew maintained their sailing ability and immediately upon declaration of independence they too joined Zim, under new names – “Komemiut” and “Atzmaut”. Simultaneously the company purchased additional passenger ships, the majority old, including “Negba”, “Artza” and “Galila”. During the War of Independence the company provided naval contact and transported food, military equipment and merchandise. In 1953 Zim began a process of development and expansion and as a result of the Reparations Agreement between Israel and West Germany it built 36 new ships, which resulted in a dramatic expansion of the fleet and scope of operation. In the 1950’s and 1960’s passenger ships were the prominent operation of Zim, parallel to constant expansion of cargo lines. The passenger ships provided a prevalent means of transportation prior to the availability of inexpensive air transportation, and were popular for the purpose of touring and vacationing as well. Zim had routine lines in the Mediterranean and later to and from the United Sates. Some of its ships sailed for cruises to the Caribbean Islands in the winter. In 1964 the construction of the luxury ship “Shalom” was completed, which within a short time, resulted in financial failure of the company which terminated the era of Zim passenger ships. In 2004 the company underwent privatization. This collection includes: ~ Hundreds of paper items: calendars, menus, price lists, many postcards, advertisement material, napkins and ship dining room tickets, stationery, pamphlets issued by Zim (extensive material regarding “Shalom” ship); photograph albums from docks in which Zim ships docked, match boxes, and more. ~ Large collection of objects containing the “ZIM” logo: uniform articles, sailor ranks; ashtrays; porcelain and metal dishes and serving utensils (produced by Israeli and German companies), decorative and useful objects from cabins – ashtrays, vases, cigarette lighters, decorative “archeological” objects, artistic plates, paddles, can openers, cutlery, gifts with printed maps – small globe, ornamented cases, boxes of chocolate and various items, some distributed to passengers as advertisement for company and some are original items which were used to decorate cabins and dining rooms. Total of 604 items. Various sizes and conditions. List available upon request. Source: Collection of Arnie Druck.