The Bank of Israel announced on Wednesday, 4 Teves, that it is beginning to circulate the new NIS 200 note on December 23rd. unlike the current reddish bill, the new one is blue and it will display the photo of Natan Alterman.

Nathan Alterman was an Israeli poet, playwright, journalist, and translator who – though never holding any elected office – was highly influential in Socialist Zionist politics, both before and after the establishment of the State of Israel. He died in 1970. On the bill are also the words “אנו אוהבים אותך מולדת. בשמחה, בשיר ובעמל”, taken from a song written by Alterman.

The Bank of Israel is slowly replacing the currency notes to sturdier, modern, anti-counterfeiting technology bills. The Bank of Israel has notified banks and other agencies weeks ago to permit them to adjust ATMs and other machines to accept the new bill when it begins appearing in circulation.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)