Solel Boneh
A Histadrut enterprise for construction, public works, and industry, Solel Boneh (Paving - Building) evolved from pioneering groups of the Third
Aliya, who had built the Tiberias-Zemah road for the Mandatory government
in 1920. In 1921 they formed the Histadrut-affiliated Office for Public Works
and Construction, which became Solel Boneh in 1924. The company
carried out a variety of projects throughout Palestine, but its financial
resources were slim and it collapsed during the 1927 economic crisis. Only in
1935 did Solel Boneh resume activities.
During the disturbances
of 1936-39, Solel Boneh built several stockade and watchtower
settlements, as well as police stations, fortifications and security roads. It
also organized Jewish labor for the ports of Haifa and Tel Aviv.
During World War II, as part of the war effort, Solel
Boneh built airports, roads, bridges and army camps for the British in
Palestine, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Cyprus, Iran and Bahrain.
During the War of
Independence, Solel Boneh built fortifications and defense lines,
laid water pipes and transported essential commodities and supplies. After the
establishment of the state, it built thousands of homes for immigrants,
schools, hospitals, industrial plants, roads and airports.
Sources: Israeli
Foreign Ministry |