Eretz Israel is our unforgettable historic homeland...The Jews who will it shall achieve their State...And whatever we attempt there for our own benefit will redound mightily and beneficially to the good of all mankind. (Theodor Herzl, DerJudenstaat, 1896)

We offer peace and amity to all the neighbouring states and their peoples, and invite them to cooperate with the independent Jewish nation for the common good of all. The State of Israel is ready to contribute its full share to the peaceful progress and development of the Middle East.
(From Proclamation of the State of Israel, 5 Iyar 5708; 14 May 1948)

With a liberal democratic political system operating under the rule of law, a flourishing market economy producing technological innovation to the benefit of the wider world, and a population as educated and cultured as anywhere in Europe or North America, Israel is a normal Western country with a right to be treated as such in the community of nations.... For the global jihad, Israel may be the first objective. But it will not be the last. (Friends of Israel Initiative)

Friday 3 June 2011

Not Forgetting Jerusalem...

 

Several bloggers marked Jerusalem Day (Yom Yerushalayim), so - better late than never - let me recall that when General Viscount Allenby liberated Jerusalem from the Turks in December 1917 there were Australian troops - the 10th Light Horse Regiment - with him.

Here's the regiment entering the city:


And here they on Mount Zion, watering their horses:

 
 The story of their presence there has been ably told in several sites online, and there's a video of interest:


A history buff and Christian Zionist in Western Australia has found a rare photo of members of the regiment in Jerusalem:


He's also suggested to the very receptive mayor of his home town of Albany that it be twinned with Jerusalem.  At a time when so many towns in the UK and elsewhere are being asked by their resident Palestine Solidarity Campaign activists to twin with Gaza, it's a small but welcome reminder that there is still wheat among the chaff.
(Hat tip: reader Shirlee)


 

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