Watch: Renovation of Ben-Gurion’s house uncovers first Israeli PM’s rare collection and treasures

Renovations are rarely simple, but when it comes to the Tel Aviv home of Israel’s first prime minister, things are even more delicate. The Ben-Gurion House, the private residence of David and Paula Ben-Gurion, donated to the state, is currently undergoing its first major renovation in over 100 years.

According to his will, Ben-Gurion expected the state to renovate the house when necessary. Aside from a few minor repairs over the years, the home had not been significantly updated and was clearly showing signs of wear.

As the packing began, various items were found, including some that hadn’t been identified before. Among the boxes were rare documents and personal items now being displayed publicly for the first time. Ben-Gurion was allegedly known to be a bit of a hoarder, which is why the sorting process revealed so many surprises.

One example is a handwritten phone directory in his office that listed the names of friends and acquaintances, organized alphabetically. Some of those names are now familiar as street names, such as Hayim Nahman Bialik and Mordechai Namir.

Among the discoveries: the original red phone used by Ben-Gurion during key national events, including the Sinai Campaign; ceremonial scissors from 1948; and personal items like a signed photograph and note from actress Hanna Rovina, the "First Lady" of Hebrew theater.

In 1953, Ben-Gurion and Paula lived in the house with their daughter Renana. The home also contained more than 20,000 books from his personal library – which were later cataloged by topic and room – though the original shelving decisions were made by Ben-Gurion himself.

Some of the handwritten notes found in the books provide insight into what Ben-Gurion thought about leadership and national security.

One year before the Declaration of Independence, as Arab armies prepared for war, Ben-Gurion was studying Napoleon. In one book, he highlighted passages where Napoleon considered conquering the Land of Israel, using these as a learning tool for understanding strategic vulnerabilities.

Unseen color film footage also resurfaced, showing lighter moments of Ben-Gurion’s life, including a scene of him in a swimsuit at the beach before being recognized by a crowd.

Today, more than 50 years after his death, the renovation brings new attention to the house where key decisions in Israel’s early years were made. For those involved, it’s more than just a construction project – it’s a national responsibility.

"This library really means something to me on a national level. It ties into solidarity, our shared past, hope, and history," said one of the curators. "Now take all that and box it up to send away. You get why my knees are shaking?"

The newly uncovered materials will be part of an exhibition opening at Ben-Gurion House in Tel Aviv on April 20.