20th Anniversary of UNICEF
This commemorative postage stamp was issued in 1966 for use in the Gaza Strip under the administration of the United Arab Republic (UAR) to mark the 20th anniversary of UNICEF (the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund). Established by the UN General Assembly in December 1946 to provide emergency food and healthcare to children affected by World War II, UNICEF's mandate evolved to support long-term maternal and child welfare globally. By issuing this 35-millieme stamp explicitly inscribed with "PALESTINE," the administration highlighted local participation in global humanitarian efforts and drew focus to international support networks for youth and families in the region.
The graphic layout is set against a vibrant green background and features a large circular vignette on the left enclosing the classic, historical emblem of UNICEF: a mother lifting her child in a silhouette of affection and care, framed by a traditional United Nations laurel wreath and anchored by the organization's founding year, 1946. The right side displays the official United Nations seal alongside the contemporary issue years 1966 and its Arabic equivalent ١٩٦٦. The Arabic inscription along the bottom reads "Sunduq al-Umam al-Muttahidah lil-Atfal 1946" (صندوق الأمم المتحدة للأطفال ١٩٤٦). Circulating widely on civil mail, this stamp served as a symbol of international solidarity, welfare advocacy, and humanitarian cooperation.
The graphic layout is set against a vibrant green background and features a large circular vignette on the left enclosing the classic, historical emblem of UNICEF: a mother lifting her child in a silhouette of affection and care, framed by a traditional United Nations laurel wreath and anchored by the organization's founding year, 1946. The right side displays the official United Nations seal alongside the contemporary issue years 1966 and its Arabic equivalent ١٩٦٦. The Arabic inscription along the bottom reads "Sunduq al-Umam al-Muttahidah lil-Atfal 1946" (صندوق الأمم المتحدة للأطفال ١٩٤٦). Circulating widely on civil mail, this stamp served as a symbol of international solidarity, welfare advocacy, and humanitarian cooperation.