New Zealand was one of 33 countries that voted in the UN to confirm Israel as a nation.
It was on November 29 1947. That’s 70 years ago exactly.
There is a monument in Rishon Le Zion, a town in Israel, dedicated to Resolution 181 with the flags of the nations that voted for Israel.
People up and down NZ will be marking the day when we stood for Israel not against her!!
Resolution 181: Adopted at the 128th plenary meeting:
In favour: 33 Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Byelorussian S.S.R., Canada, Costa Rica, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guatemala, Haiti, Iceland, Liberia, Luxemburg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Sweden, Ukrainian S.S.R., Union of South Africa, U.S.A., U.S.S.R., Uruguay, Venezuela.
Against: 13 Afghanistan, Cuba, Egypt, Greece, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, Yemen.
Abstained: 10 Argentina, Chile, China, Colombia, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Honduras, Mexico, United Kingdom, Yugoslavia
Did you know…
Shining the Light on the ANZACs in Beersheba
World War I does not really feature in the minds of Israelis when they think about Israel’s modern history. For them it all began with the War of Independence because their very existence was at stake and it was long and costly in terms of lives. So the ANZAC invasion and the speeches by PM Netanyahu at Be’er Sheva have been an opportunity for Israelis to consider the role played by the British, the ANZACs and colonial forces in WW1 in opening up the land for the modern state of Israel.
In the days leading up to October 31st parts of Be’er Sheva’s thoroughfares were marked by poles carrying Israeli, Australian and New Zealand flags, a welcome sight to the many international visitors. It is a big deal for the city as this event and the opening of the ANZAC museum funded by JNF Australia pave the way for greater tourism in this region. On the day many roads were closed to make way for the endless procession of tour buses moving the visitors from place to place speedily. An estimated 5,000 visitors descended upon the city that day plus hoards of security and local volunteers; who all got into the ANZAC spirit.
A century ago it was far different, Beersheba was an unremarkable outpost desert town. But it was the home of some strategic wells in the desert that had to be captured. This made it the focus of Allied attention. Water is life in the desert after all. But that was not all. It’s strategic position at the base of the Hebron Road leading to Jerusalem and a southern gateway to the important coastal route made it more so. It was a do or die battle literally.
Sadly, the British hardly got a mention yet their forces represent as much as 80% of the dead. Their latter role in the White Paper, blocking Jewish immigration and the harsh treatment of Jews during the Mandate period all but obscured the good.
The day began with the ANZAC Ceremony in the grounds of the Commonwealth War Graves cemetery reminding us all of the price of war. The big question on many peoples’ minds was whether PM Netanyahu would come. He did and not just to the main ceremony. New Zealand was represented by the Governor General Dame Patsy Ready who managed to get there just in time after swearing in the new government. PM Netanyahu spoke about natural kinship and thanked the ANZACs for opening the gates and paving the way for the modern state of Israel saying that they would not be forgotten. Our Governor General spoke of the warm relationship with Israel, the huge price of war to NZ in that era and NZ’s fundamental commitment to Israel’s existence, all to a cheering crowd.
After the cemetery service the nearby ANZAC museum overlooking the graves was opened and a small Turkish ceremony was held before the street parade commenced. Local youngsters joined in to a cheering crowd and marched with their distinctive school white T-shirts with blue writing and the tiny tots stole the show. Many youngsters wanted to trade Israeli flags for Australian or New Zealand flags or souvenirs. Then came the horses and riders dressed in WWI winter garb sweltering in the hot sun including Don Moore of Nelson and his cousin. Interestingly, many women and Aboriginals were also riding. The event marked the culmination of the three-week light horse tour that began in Egypt and covered the battlefields from Egypt, Sinai and Jordan as well as Israel.
A select group of about 200 were able to go to the Tel where the NZ ceremony was held including former Israeli Ambassador Josef Livne and Kiwis residing in Israel. Ambassador Gerberg was part of the official delegation. Tel Sheva is a UNESCO heritage site located about five kms from the city. Chauvel’s hill is easily seen where the final charge was masterminded as is the modern city and the plain where the Australians famously charged. It was here that the Kiwis fought a dug-in Turkish force to open up the plain. Whilst awaiting the arrival of the official party, chaplain Ants Hawes outlined the nature of the NZ battle and gave the timing of each step. The ceremony began with the blast of the shofar followed by the conche shell linking the nations and the Pacific Islanders who also fought. The Queen Alexander Mounted Rifles from the lower North Island formed a Guidon Party with impressive triangular flag banners.
The Maori NZDF group sang their hearts out concluding with “Now is the Hour” and the atmosphere throughout was sacred and respectful. But it would take a He Taua haka and a Maori warrior to complete the picture.
Representatives of the NZ contigent of the MFO forces from the Sinai and UNTSO peacekeepers formed the guard of honour and reminded us all of our current commitment to Israel’s defence. Netanyahu spoke of the strategic role of the Jewish spies in the battle and the need to remember the past and celebrate the future. Amazingly the official party including the two PMs mounted the tower and surveyed the scene allowing for photographs and on return shook hands with some delighted visitors who exclaimed, “God Bless you PM Netanyahu”. Bibi was in his element all day enjoying the relaxed environment and warm welcome from the crowd, probably wishing he could have many more days like this!!
Then it was a quick dash to observe the re-enactment of the charge in a paddock. Just like the events on battle day, the charge was delayed by the events on the Tel meaning the timing was almost identical. The dust swirled and the riders took off in the twilight to give locals and visitors alike a taste of the events of the day save the weapons and fighting. At the conclusion some made their way to the Park of the Australian Soldier where the Pratt foundation of Australia put on an Aussie BBQ. But for many the early start meant a long bus ride home and gave this event a miss.
The night before saw the opening of the exhibitions at the Museum of Rishon le Zion by the Governor General of NZ and the head of the Museum. The exhibitions focus on the relationship between the Kiwi soldiers and the people of Rishon le Zion. The opening was a time for Kiwis in Israel to gather and meet the locals in Rishon Le Zion just as their forefathers had. In the entry room are details about Ottoman oppression of the Jews setting the scene for the welcoming of the liberating Kiwi soldiers. This museum event was in addition to the unveiling of a plaque of friendship between our nations near the famous well where the ANZACs stopped in 1917 to drink and be revived physically and emotionally.
Rebecca Holden’s much-admired vivid artwork was embedded into the local Museum’s exhibition that included photos and information about what the ANZACs got up to in Rishon including playing with the children and spoiling them with ration treats and marbles. There is even a WW1 uniform on a mannequin and ammunition from the scene. Yona Shapira, the curator agreed with the summation that R is for Rishon and R is for relationship. R is also for Rebecca who was one of the catalysts of the event. It is hoped that this exhibition will be the beginning of a much closer relationship.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joanna Moss is a Wellington based researcher and writer. She is also NZFOI’s Wellington Regional Coordinator and is attending ANZAC events in Israel and representing NZFOI there.
National says “Expel “hateful” Iranian Diplomat”” | NZ Herald
Gerry Brownlee, National’s Shadow Foreign Minister
National has called for an Iranian diplomat to be expelled from the country – saying he delivered “what was effectively a hate speech” containing “anti-Semitic statements”.
National’s foreign affairs spokesman Gerry Brownlee said Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters should have already required the withdrawal of Hormoz Ghahremani’s credentials, and his removal from the country.
“Inciting racial tension by making anti-Semitic statements is the antithesis of that important [diplomatic] role, regardless of the context or setting in which the comments were made,” Brownlee said.
“Racial disharmony offences under the Human Rights Act are quite clear, and a complaint has already been made to the Human Rights Commission over these offensive comments.
Freedom camping hots up before summer’s even here | stuff.co.nz
Travellers living out of un-selfcontained vehicles like this one are blamed for many of the issues facing communities under pressure from freedom campers
Quite a few of our visitors are Israeli travellers, backpacking, and motor-homing through New Zealand.
This article is for you…
Freedom camping issues are already on the boil well before peak season arrives with Akaroa residents worried about another summer of faeces in the bushes and tourists living out of cars.
Some Akaroa residents are upset about new Christchurch City Council signs “advertising” where freedom camping is permitted in the town saying they will increase problems unless there is much better policing of the camping bylaw.
Dunedin City councillors have narrowly voted against banning un-selfcontained vehicles at two designated freedom camping spots, even though staff recommended the bylaw change which was also supported by three quarters of the 250 public submissions.
NZ’s role in history’s last great cavalry charge | Newsroom
Beersheba is a town that few New Zealanders will be familiar with.
It sits on the edge of the Negev desert in southern Israel, about 75 kilometres south west of Jerusalem.
On Tuesday, a small group of New Zealanders will join a large group of Australians to watch a re-enactment of an historic charge by the Australian Light Horse brigade exactly 100 years ago at Beersheba.
The attack on Turkish troops was a turning point in World War I, and is a revered part of Australia’s military history.
From this point on in the desert war the Turkish forces and their German allies were in retreat.
The famous charge by the 4th Australian Light Horse is regarded as the last great cavalry charge in history.
What is less well known is that it wouldn’t have taken place had it not been for the skill and bravery of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles.
After two failed attempts to break the Turkish defensive line between Gaza on the coast and Beersheba 43 kilometres inland, the newly appointed commander of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, which was spearheaded by Australian and New Zealand mounted troops, devised a plan to take the town of Beersheba.
General Allenby’s aim was to outflank the Turko-German forces and attack the trenches protecting Gaza, from behind.
Compared to the frontlines at Gaza, Beersheba was relatively lightly defended as the Turks were convinced (partly due to a British officer deliberately dropping a note saying an attack on Beersheba was impossible due to a lack of water) that a third attack would be made directly on Gaza.
The Anzac and British troops carted most of their water with them and moved at night to stay concealed from German aircraft.
It was a huge logistical task but by the morning of 31 October they were ready and the attack on Beersheba began.
At first, it went well; the Turks in outlying positions were caught by surprise.
But a large hill which overlooked the plain in front of Beersheba needed to be taken before mounted troops could approach the town itself.
The machine guns dug in on the hill known as Tel el Saba would have mown down horsemen in minutes.
The job of capturing Tel el Saba was given to the New Zealand Mounted Rifles. It was defended by 300 Turks who were now well prepared.
The attack started at 9.10am but progress was slow and casualties mounted.
It took nearly six hours of fighting before the Auckland Mounted Rifles managed to capture the first enemy position. Two or three machine guns were taken, along with 60 prisoners.
The machine guns were turned around and used to good effect on the Turks.
The “Aucklands” (as they were known) were joined by the Wellington Mounted Rifles and with bayonets fixed they charged up the hill on foot.
New Zealand names new FM critical of country’s recent Israel policy | Jerusalem Post
NZ’s new foreign minister, Winston Peters
Israel’s ties with New Zealand are set to improve following the appointment of a foreign minister in Wellington critical of its sponsorship last December of an anti-settlement UN resolution that set back ties between the two countries.
Peters insisted on inserting in the coalition agreement a clause noting the “lack of process” that led to New Zealand’s sponsorship of UN Security Council Resolution 2334 last year. Peters has been critical that the decision to sponsor the resolution was not taken to the cabinet for its approval.
Calls to expel Iran diplomat from NZ after fiery anti-Israel speech ‘fuels radicalism’ | Stuff.co.nz
An Iranian diplomat has been accused of fuelling radicalism with a fiery, anti-Israel speech at an Auckland mosque.
Jewish community leaders want Hormoz Ghahremani, first secretary of the Iranian Embassy, to be expelled after he appeared alongside speakers who denied the Holocaust and called for the “surgical removal” of Israel.
In his speech, Ghahremani said Israel was trying to “deceive the world” by pretending to be an advocate of peace when in fact it was fuelling terrorism and extremism in the Middle East to divert attention from the Palestine issue.
Theresa May says she will celebrate the centenary of Balfour declaration with ‘pride’ : The Independent
Theresa May and Benjamin Netanyahu
Theresa May has said she will celebrate the centenary of the Balfour declaration, which paved the way for the creation of Israel, with “pride” next week.
After welcoming Benjamin Netanyahu to London, Ms May and the Israeli Prime Minister will dine together at an exclusive event to celebrate the historic promise made in 1917 that the British Government would use its “best endeavours” to facilitate the creation of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, will not be attending the high-profile event but the party’s Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry will be taking his place.
Book review: Driving to Treblinka by Diana Wichtel | Stuff.co.nz
It’s not as if Diana Wichtel doesn’t give the reader notice that things aren’t going to end well. In the opening lines of this remarkable memoir, the Listener journalist is reading the autopsy report from November 1970 of her father Ben, dead at 60 in a Canadian psychiatric hospital. He had pneumonia. He had bruises on his face. He had been psychotic for years. The note about the funeral states: “Family and friends: none.” He had stayed behind in Canada when his Kiwi wife had taken 13-year-old Diana and her two siblings back to New Zealand. They were told their father would be following soon, but he didn’t. Five years later, he was dead.
So, as the subtitle puts it, this book is “A long search for a lost father”, an account of Wichtel’s attempts to learn the truth about her father’s demise, including a guilt-stricken examination of her own culpability. But then there’s the actual title, with the name of the Nazi extermination camp in Poland where 900,000 people, almost all Jews, were murdered.
Read more: Book review: Driving to Treblinka by Diana Wichtel | Stuff.co.nz
Mother of Islamist Gunman Mohammed Merah, Who Murdered Rabbi and 3 Children in French Jewish School Attack, Causes Outrage at Ongoing Terror Trial | Algemeiner
A billboard in Toulouse commemorating the victims of Mohammed Merah’s gun attack on the Ozar Hatorah school in March 2012
Chaotic scenes broke out on Wednesday at the trial in France of the brother of an Islamist extremist who carried out a spree of terrorist attacks around the southern city of Toulouse in March 2012, including a gun assault on a Jewish school that resulted in the brutal murders of a rabbi along with three young children.
Shouts and jeers erupted from the gallery at the court in Paris during the testimony of Zoulika Aziri — the mother of 35-year-old Abdelkader Merah, who could face a life sentence if he is found guilty of having aided his brother, Mohammed, in carrying out three separate terror attacks between March 11-19, 2012. Mohammed Merah was shot and killed by French police on March 22 of that year at the culmination of a 30-hour siege after he was tracked down.
Tempers at the court flared after Aziri’s lawyer, Eric Dupond-Moretti, justified her decision to lie in some of her statements to the court by describing her as a grieving mother. “This woman is the mother of the accused, but she is also the mother of a dead man,” he said, when urging prosecution lawyers to be less aggressive in their questioning. At this point in the proceedings, the brother of Sgt. Imad Ibn Ziaten — an off-duty French-Moroccan paratrooper shot dead by Mohammed Merah on March 11, 2012 — cried out “Are you not ashamed?” before leaving the courtroom sobbing in the arms of his relatives.
