Digitizing History: Palestine Broadcasting Service, 1936-1948

Physical Fitness Programs

On Sunday, December 16, 1945, a daily 20-minute physical fitness morning program (7:05 AM to 7:25 AM) was started up in Hebrew. It was presented by Michael Ben-Hanan. Simultaneously, a five-minute physical exercise program was started in English on the same morning (7:55 AM to 8:00 AM). It was realized that the listening public may not totally understand what they were supposed to do by way of the exercises so Hagalgal published little drawings of the exercises each week to either remind people what they had learned in school or teach the listeners new exercises.

		Michael Ben-Hanan (Zemel)

This was followed up by an illustrated booklet in Hebrew, published in 1946, with a foreword by Mordechai Zlotnik, Inspector of Hebrew Programs, PBS, dated 26 March 1946:

**Introduction**

The Palestine Broadcasting Service has so far devoted its programs, fittingly for "Kol Yerushalayim," primarily to culture and science, art and music. Although from time to time, talks addressing the health of the community have been broadcast, there has not yet been an opportunity for listeners to take practical steps to improve their health as a result of these broadcasts. We have always felt this gap and have been waiting for the first opportunity to broadcast during morning hours to introduce exercise routines.

We were therefore particularly pleased that, along with the recent improvements in our programming, we were able, in collaboration with the Physical Training Department of the National Committee, to launch morning exercise broadcasts. This broadcast greets listeners immediately upon waking, inspires them to take practical steps for their health, uplifts their spirits, and provides a positive start to a healthy workday. The many letters we and the Physical Training Department of the National Committee have received testify to the encouraging and gratifying impact this broadcast has had on all our listeners.

My thanks are hereby extended to the staff of the Physical Training Department, who have dedicated their time and expertise to designing these lessons, and my warm greetings to Michael Ben-Hanan, who has skillfully made these morning broadcasts so beloved by our many listeners.

The publication of the book, which will include the exercises broadcast in our morning exercise program, represents an additional step in enhancing this broadcast. The book will clearly and prominently explain each exercise and illustrate it with beautiful photographs, making it easier for listeners to understand and perform the exercises correctly. This book will undoubtedly find its place in every household.

**Mordechai Zlotnik**
Inspector of Hebrew Programs
Palestine Broadcasting Service
Jerusalem, 23 Adar II, 5706 – March 26, 1946