The philatelic world’s much anticipated international stamp exhibition – “London 2022” – was held February 19-26 at the Business Design Center in Islington, 21 months after being postponed due to corona. The tradition of holding the world premier international philatelic exhibition in Britain every decade might have been interrupted, but everyone in the philatelic community was determined that the show would go on.
It was a great honor and privilege for me to represent Israel as its commissioner at the exhibition, in which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 was the Royal Patron. The exhibition was held under the auspices of the Federation Internationale de Philatelie (FIP) with backing from the Royal Mail.
London was ready and waiting for our Israeli delegation, which included Dr. Eddie Leibu, who was appointed to the international jury. I brought five of the best exhibits Israel has to offer. When we landed at Heathrow and were clearing customs, the English official told us how lucky we were that we had arrived early, as Britain was bracing the next day for its worst storm in more than 30 years, with winds exceeding 100 mph. Even this red alert Storm Eunice did not deter anyone from arriving at the exhibition.
One of the joys of visiting international stamp exhibitions is the opportunity to see and marvel at some of the finest collections from around the world. London 2022 was no exception, showcasing the crème de la crème of stamp collections. Two of our exhibits were entered into the Championship Class. There were over 900 exhibits and 3,500 frames with international bourse with 150 trade booths.
There were commissioners and judges from over 70 countries attending. As I entered the exhibition hall, I was so proud to see the Israeli flag flying high above, together with flags from all over the world. That unity of the flags above was translated on the ground. There was an incredible camaraderie and friendship between the commissioners at the opening ceremony and throughout the exhibition. Even though each country was competing for the Grand Prix and gold medals, we were all united wishing the best for each other.
On a personal level, I was delighted to see my Iranian, Pakistani and Indonesian commissioner friends again and renew old friendships. We exchanged gifts and added new contact numbers. Outside our philatelic haven, in the real world, Russia had just started its invasion of Ukraine, and I thought to myself, if only the world leaders could visit our exhibition and maybe emulate the philatelists – peace would prevail!
My euphoria came to an abrupt halt when on the second day the Irish commissioner asked me what happened to the Israeli flag. To my disbelief it had been removed. I immediately informed the organizing committee, who were very angry and upset that this had occurred. Many commissioners approached me and were very sympathetic. I was determined to replace the flag, and with the help of my cousin, we managed to obtain an Israeli flag in the religious suburb of Golders Green. The next day a security guard was posted near the flag, which flew high till the end of the exhibition.
On the last day I met with the Egyptian juror, who had judged the Doar Ivri Israeli exhibit. He told me how impressed he was with the rarity of the material, and gave me outstanding professional advice on how the exhibit could attain a gold medal.
The award ceremony was held at the prestigious and lavish Guildhall, which has held many Royal Family events in the past. Our exhibitors did extremely well, and we obtained Large Gold, Special Prize, Gold and Large Vermeil awards. I felt proud to represent my country and was so happy for our Israeli Philatelic Federation.
As the exhibition proceeded, the war in Europe intensified. The resulting cruelty and violence stand in sharp contrast to the philatelic world, in which stamps know no boundaries as they cross oceans and seas throughout the world bringing different cultures together and forming long-lasting friendships.
Maybe one day, world leaders will become philatelists! ■
The writer is a dentist who lives in Jerusalem.