Picture of the Shamir brothers working on the design of the Jerusalem postage stamp.

In 1949, the Old City (and Tower of David) was under Jordanian control. In order not to recognise this, the Shamir brothers presented the fortification and tower in grey to distinguish them from the mountains and the road to Jerusalem.

 Sketches for the first stamp of the Shamir brothers were given to our website by Prof. Shaul Ladany - the Israeli and world record holder in the 50 miles walk.  The "Jerusalem" stamp was issued on February 16, 1949, prior to the opening of the Constituent Assembly (the First Knesset).

Sketches for the first stamp of the Shamir brothers were given to our website by Prof. Shaul Ladany - the Israeli and world record holder in the 50 miles walk.  The "Jerusalem" stamp was issued on February 16, 1949, prior to the opening of the Constituent Assembly (the First Knesset).

 Courtesy of Prof. Shaul Ladany - the Israeli and world record holder in the 50 miles walk.  The "Jerusalem" stamp was issued on February 16, 1949, prior to the opening of the Constituent Assembly (the First Knesset).

Courtesy of Hadi Orr