Spain – Japan Joint Issue
Date of Issue : 14 November 2013
As a token of appreciation for the floriculture and plant species are grown as far afield as Spain and Japan, the Post put into circulation two countries share a broadcast dedicated to Geranium and Lespedeza thunbergii. The two stamps are issued together in the teeth.
The cultivation of plants and flowers in particular, is considered an art in most cultures. Since time immemorial are pictures showing man's attraction for the care of flowers and gardens. China, Babylon, Persia and subsequently many other cultures have left evidence of it in everyday life.
In Spain, one of the most common plants is the Geranium family of Geraniaceae. It is cultivated in gardens, terraces or balconies and produces vivid flowers of different colors. There are several varieties, the most popular common geranium, the gypsy or ivy leaf, the pelargonium geraniums and aromatic leaves. They need lots of light and sun to bloom. It withstands high temperatures, but not frost or cold. The plant appears to touch a characteristic odor and is easy to grow. Generally reproduced by cuttings.
Lespedeza is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It's commonly known as bush or Japanese clover comes from temperate and subtropical regions of eastern North America and eastern and southern Asia and Australia. It is just one of the 30 species of legumes that exist, such as peas and beans. Some varieties are grown as ornamental plants in gardens and others are used as fodder. Its roots enrich the soil and prevent erosion.
Israel – Greenland Joint Issue
Issued in June 2013
Israel – Uruguay Joint Issue
The postal administrations of Israel and Uruguay have issued stamps jointly to mark their diplomatic relations. In 2013 the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Uruguay and Israelis celebrated.The year of Israel’s Declaration of Independence, 1948, marked the beginning of a long shared journey of deep-rooted friendship between the two countries.
The South American and Israeli postal companies chose a drawing by the artist Jose Gurevich of the Matriarch Sarah when she was told by angels that she would have a son. The Jewish-Uruguayan artist had created a series of biblical drawings in honor of his mother who contracted cancer. The image on the NIS 2 stamp designed by Rinat Gilboa testifies to the deep cultural and religious roots of the Jewish People.
Spain – Belgium joint stamp issue – 150 Years of the Red Cross
Date of Issue : 28 October 2013
The postal administrations of Spain and Belgium have come together to jointly issue stamps commemorating the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Red Cross. The two countries illustrate their respective stamps with motives allusive to the organization.
The idea of founding an international society for humanitarian aid arises from the Swiss Henry Dunant (Geneva, 1828-1909) after witnessing the Battle of Solferino in 1859 between the Austrian army against the French and Piedmonts leaving in a single day on both sides, 40,000 soldiers dead or wounded on the battle field. Jean-Henri Dunant was shocked by the terrible aftermath of the battle, the suffering of the wounded soldiers and the near-total lack of medical attendance and basic care. Impressed by the tragedy he conceived the idea of creating a neutral aid organization to provide humanitarian aid regardless of races, nationalities and beliefs.
Back in Geneva his proposal was backed up by another four Swiss citizens subsequently been referred to as the “Committee of the Five,” This committee founded in 1863 the International Committee of the Red Cross, whom, with the support of the Swiss government, held a year later the first diplomatic conference attended by 16 European countries including Spain and the United States.
The Red Cross is a global humanitarian movement headquartered in Geneva (Switzerland). In Muslim countries it is known as the Red Crescent. The fundamental principles governing the Red Cross and Red Crescent are humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. The emblems identifying the organization -a Red Cross or Red Crescent on a white background- are recognized by all countries.
