An ANZAC message from Australia’s ambassador to Israel

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J-Wire meets the Australian Ambassador to Israel, Dave Sharma, in Tel Aviv ahead of ANZAC Day.

Michael Kuttner reports from Israel:

Ambassador Dave Sharma and Michael Kuttner

It is obvious that Dave Sharma enjoys his ambassadorial duties in a country which in his words is so diverse and dynamic. He never ceases to be amazed by the vitality and variety of experiences which makes Israel such a leader in so many fields of endeavor.

As so many first time visitors have exclaimed reality here is nothing like the pictures portrayed and conveyed by the international media.

In a special message for J-Wire readers on the occasion of Anzac Day which this year follows Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Independence Day), the Ambassador made reference to the fact that ANZAC soldiers in the First World War were very instrumental in helping to defeat the Ottoman Empire and liberate Palestine from their control. He emphasized that Australian and New Zealand soldiers were in effect here at the birth of a new era which saw the foundations being laid for the re-establishment of the Jewish State and the return of Jews to their historic homeland. The battle of Beersheba which opened the way to liberate Jerusalem from Turkish control made a deep impression and is commemorated even today. The presence of Aussies and Kiwis in Palestine at that time is still remembered and their contributions honored.

This Friday 24 April  (25 April is Shabbat so ANZAC day services are held one day early) a special ceremony of remembrance will be held at the Commonwealth War Cemetery on Mount Scopus. This year it will be honored by the presence of President Rivlin as well of course by diplomats and other dignitaries including Rabbi Raymond Apple a former Chaplain to the Australian Armed Forces.

Also present at the meeting were Ben Rhee, 2nd. Secretary and Esti Sherbelis, PA to the Ambassador.