A never to be forgotten story of ANZAC bravery comes from the dust and heat of Palestine in October 1917. The mounted New Zealanders took a strategic Turkish position which opened the possibility of taking Beersheva and its important and desperately needed water wells by the Australian Light Horse. That epic charge which took control of the town was the last great cavalry charge in military history and the courage of the riders and their horses opened the way for the liberation of Palestine from the Ottoman Empire.
ANZAC day will be commemorated Tuesday next week in Australia and NZ and is usually honoured in Israel with ceremonies at the War Cemeteries.
The victory of 1917 to which the ANACS contributed with their bravery, eventually led to the restoration of the Land of Israel.
That restoration, and the birth of the modern State of Israel, will be celebrated in Israel and throughout the Jewish community this coming week. The calendar date corresponds to the fifth day of the Hebrew month of Iyar, which is the Hebrew date of the formal establishment of the State of Israel. The day before, Israel will remember their brave men and women who have died protecting their country. Although the switch from mourning to celebration is jarring, Independence Day in Israel is always preceded by Memorial Day for the fallen soldiers.
“Can a nation be born in a day?” asked Isaiah (ch 66:8). And yet this was the miracle of reborn Israel. We can join in the Hallel Psalms 113-118, that are recited on Independence Day. Psalm 117:1 says “Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles! Extol Him, all you peoples!”
Read more about Israel’s restoration below.
People around the world remembered the atrocities of the Holocaust this week during Yom Hashoah. Watch this special report on Israel’s annual Holocaust Remembrance Day, where ICEJ was represented at the ceremonies at Yad Vashem.
Our coverage includes the speeches of Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the opening ceremonies, as well as observances at the Valley of the Communities and the Hall of Remembrance on the Yad Vashem campus.
Plus, a greeting and word of thanks from Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen concerning the ICEJ’s work year-round to assist needy Holocaust survivors.
Never forget.
This week’s Biblical & Prophetic Teaching Webinar was “Celebrating Israel at 75,” hosted by David van der Walt ICEJ Vice President for Finance, featuring ICEJ Vice President & Senior Spokesman David Parsons.
Shabbat Shalom,
Sarah Way
ICEJ Australia National Director
