Guarding the homeland – part 3
In the third and final article in the series of stories about Yaakov Pollack, we get to know his friends – the first workers of the electric company, who performed their work while risking their lives
At the same time, Yaakov embarked on missions on behalf of the Hagana, purchased lands for the Jewish National Fund and volunteered for the train guard. Many of hid deeds will remain unknown, as he did not talk or write about them.
In the 1940s, Yaakov and his family members lived in Afula while he worked at the electric company.
1. March 21, 1938, going up to Hanita. Yaakov Pollack, in a special policeman's uniform, helps set up the fence of the community, which was built as part of the Homa Umigdal enterprise.
2. Taken during the 1936-39 events. Convoys traveling on the roads had to be secured. In the photo: A convoy waiting for a military escort. The place is unidentified, but the bus leading the convoy had a sign reading, "Line 26 Jerusalem".
3. A British military escort reaches the convoy.
4. A high voltage pole with Yaakov on the top, waving his hand, next to a fellow worker – in the next photo.
5. Yaakov (L) and a friend, resting on top of the pole.
6. A truck next to the company’s workers, engaged in setting up an electricity network in the Jordan Valley area. Yaakov is In the front of the photo, with a knapsack.
7. Taking a lunch break while sitting on a truck, on the backdrop of Lake Kinneret.
8. Setting up an electric pole on Mount Carmel with manual digging tools.
9. Setting up an electricity pole on the corner of Hahalutz and Shapira Streets in Haifa. On the right-hand side of the street – Photo Brener, on the other side – Photo Mordechai.
10. At the fuel compound in the Haifa Bay, when it still had swamps.
- For all trips to the past – click here
