JNF Australia’s Anzac mission
A RESTORED Allenby Park and plans for the Anzac museum in Beersheva were unveiled last week by JNF leaders and the town’s mayor.
The park was established in 1902 by the Ottomans but after World War I it was named after English General Edmund Allenby, who led the Australian Light Horse Brigade.
On October 31, 1917, Allenby ordered the Australian Light Horse brigade to launch a surprise attack on Beersheva and they quickly took control of the city.
The park fell into ruin but has now been restored by JNF Australia and the city of Beersheva.
Mayor Ruvik Danilovic said the community should never forget the importance of the battle and the sacrifice of those who died.
“The world owes part of its freedom to the people that were here and we are doing something special for them today,” he said. “By the time we are finished, and have built the Anzac museum as well, we will be very proud that we did something important for the memories of the heroes.”
JNF Australia president Peter Smaller said that he was introduced to the park two years ago and it was “pretty run down”.
“When it became apparent the important part Australia played in Beersheva’s history I always thought Australian JNF supporters should help restore this park,” Smaller said at its opening.
The restoration was funded by JNF Australia and is part of the Anzac Trail, which will culminate at the planned Anzac museum.
“This is only a part of what is going to be a marvellous centenary celebration leading up to October 31, 2017 to remember what the Australian Light Horse Brigade did.”
Australia’s ambassador to Israel Dave Sharma told The AJN that JNF projects such as the Allenby Park and the Anzac museum in Beersheva display the unique connection between the two countries.
“For most Australian memorials around the world they have been government funded but this has been driven by private philanthropic individuals who are … passionate about both Australia and Israel,” Sharma said.
“They are supporting Israel and at the same time recognising and remembering the Australian sacrifices that were made here which helped lay the foundations for the State of Israel.”
Sharma said he would like Australians to have a greater understanding of the battle of the Light Horse Brigade that took place in Beersheva.
“I am hoping that we can get Beersheva on the same map as Gallipoli, even though it will never be on the same scale.
“But when people think about World War I heritage they should think about Gallipoli, the Western Front and Beersheva and I would like to see more young Australian backpackers and tourists come here to Beersheva as a drawcard and then they can travel and see the country.”
The proposed Anzac museum at Beersheva is awaiting approval from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which owns the land in Israel where the museum will be built.
JOSHUA LEVI
Mayor Ruvik Danilovic, Peter Smaller, JNF AUstralia CEO Dan Springer and Dave Sharma at last week’s ceremony in Allenby Park
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