A makeover at Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem
A new Educational Walkway and the expansion and upgrade of the Jerusalem Garden at the Ammunition Hill National Heritage site in Jerusalem has been inaugurated…generously supported by Sydney UIA supporters Rhonda and Harry Triguboff.A moving ceremony took place on July 6 is dedicated in their honour.
The work was carried out over the past year as a partnership between Keren Hayesod-United Israel Appeal, Ammunition Hill, the Municipality of Jerusalem, The Ministry of Construction and Housing and The Ministry of Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs.
Just over 49 years ago, the ground where Ammunition Hill is situated was sanctified by the blood of the 36 young men who gave their lives in one of the fiercest and strategically important battles of the Six-Day War. In an assault that began at 2:30am on the night of June 6, 1967 lasting four hours. Israeli soldiers stormed the hill which was fortified with Jordanian troops, ammunition, reinforced bunkers and winding trenches. This critical battle, fought against the backdrop of incessant shooting and explosions, made possible the liberation of the Old City and Western Wall the following day.
Ammunition Hill serves as a national memorial to the 182 IDF soldiers who fell during the Six-Day War. The site now symbolizes the heroism, courage and tenacity of Israel’s fighters. The induction ceremony for IDF paratroopers takes place at the site which also provides an important opportunity to educate the younger generation in the values that motivated and sustained these young heroes. The education delivered at the centre gives people the chance to understand that a Jewish state is something that must never be taken for granted. Israel’s young soldiers are the silver platter on which the Jewish State was given.
UIA NSW CEO Yair Miller thanked the Triguboff’s for their generosity. “Through this project they have ensured that one of the most meaningful symbols in Israel’s military history continues to act as a focus for education and commemoration. UIA NSW is proud to have worked with them on this most meaningful project to safeguard the transmission of these most important values and memories.”