6,000 people were killed, crippled, and wounded during the War of Independence. The economy was devastated - there was no milk, just milk powder. No eggs, but egg powder. Meat was only once a week.

In this quote, Yitzhak Navon, the fifth President of Israel, reflects on the hardships endured by the people of Israel during the War of Independence in 1948. He emphasizes the human toll of the conflict, stating that 6,000 people were either killed, crippled, or wounded. The war, which led to the establishment of the State of Israel, was both a physical and emotional struggle for the nation, leaving lasting scars on its population.

Navon also highlights the severe economic devastation that resulted from the war. The country faced extreme shortages of essential goods, with basic food items like milk being unavailable in fresh form, and instead, only milk powder being accessible. Similarly, everyday items like eggs were replaced by egg powder, demonstrating the widespread deprivation and the difficulty in maintaining basic living standards during and after the conflict.

The scarcity of food and resources is further illustrated by the statement that meat was only available once a week, underscoring the hardships faced by ordinary people during this challenging period. These details point to the extent of the economic strain on Israel, which was grappling with not only military challenges but also the need to rebuild its economy amidst wartime conditions.

Ultimately, Navon’s quote serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made during the War of Independence. It underscores the physical, economic, and psychological toll the war had on the Israeli population, illustrating the resilience required to overcome such adversities and lay the foundation for the newly established state.