In 2023, I designed a shirt that bore the inscription "Israel 1948-Forever". The shirt celebrated the existence of the State of Israel.
But people wrote to me saying that the People of Israel have a history that goes back much earlier than 1948 and asked me to create a shirt that celebrates that.
But what would be the start date? When did the People of Israel begin?
Was it in the time of Abraham? Or maybe the Exodus from Egypt? Or the creation of the first Kingdom of Israel?
I finally settled on the year 1200 BCE because of an archeological discovery called the Merneptah Stele, also known as the Israel Stele, which was created around the year 1200 BCE.
Mernepath was an Egyptian Pharaoh, and the Merneptah Stele is an inscription in granite that praises the pharaoh's military triumph over several enemies, among them the People of Israel.
This is the earliest, widely accepted archeological item that mentions Israel. And it also identifies Israel as a people.
So 1200 BCE it is... until archeologists discover even older items that mention the People of Israel.
This comfy, unisex t-shirt celebrates the People of Israel across the millennia of its existence. From the ancient days of the prophets, judges, and kings of Judea and Israel to today's modern State of Israel.
.: 100% Airlume combed and ringspun cotton (fiber content may vary for different colors) .: Light fabric (4.2 oz/yd² (142 g/m²)) .: Retail fit .: Tear away label .: Runs true to size
