ISRAEL

Face value � � sheqel
Metal � aluminum-bronze
Mintage � 2 mln. pieces
In circulation since 1986

Baron Edmond James de Rothschild

Baron Edmond James de Rothschild (August 19, 1845 - November 2, 1934) was a philanthropist and activist for Jewish affairs and a member of the prominent Rothschild family.
A member of the French branch of the Rothschild banking dynasty, he was born in the Paris suburb of Boulogne-sur-Seine. He grew up in the world of the Second Republic and the Second Empire and was a soldier ("Garde Nationale") in the first Franco-Prussian War.
Edmond took little active part in banking but pursued artistic and philanthropic interests, helping to found scientific research institutions.
As well, Edmond de Rothschild acquired an important collection of drawings and engravings that he bequeathed to the Louvre.  However, in 1882 Edmond cut back on his purchases of art and began to buy land in Palestine. He became a leading proponent of the Zionist movement, financing the first site at Rishon LeZion. In his goal for the establishment of a Jewish homeland, he eventually chose to defend an alternative policy to that of the Zionists, promoting industrialization and respect for Arabic neighborhoods. In 1924, he established the Palestine Jewish Colonization Association (PICA), which acquired more than 125,000 acres (506 sq. km) of land and set up business ventures.
For his Jewish philanthropy Baron Edmond became known as "HaNadiv HaYdu'a", (The Known Benefactor) and in his memory his son bequeathed the funds to construct the building for the Knesset. Israel's Independence Day coin is dedicated to the memory of Edmond de Rothschild and marks the centenary of his first projects in Israel.