SYDNEY, Australia (JTA) – Israel and Australia jointly released stamps marking the charge of the Australian Light Horse Brigade at Beersheva in 1917.
In 1917, heavily outnumbered Australian troops overran Turkish troops to take Beersheva and open the road for the capture of Jerusalem.
One stamp features the statue in Beersheva of an Australian Light Horseman in the Park of the Australian Soldier. Another features contemporary images of Australian Light Horsemen. The launch coincided with the World Stamp Exhibition in Melbourne taking place May 10-15.
“The Battle of Beersheba is something close to the hearts of both Israelis and Australians and was a clear choice to feature on the stamp issue,” Australia Post Managing Director Ahmed Fahour said.
Israel’s Ambassador to Australia, Yuval Rotem, noted the friendships forged between Australian soldiers and Jewish residents amid the 1917 battle.
“Despite great geographical distance between our two nations, we operate on the same foundation of values,” Rotem said. “I am proud of all that our countries have achieved together to date and genuinely excited by the prospects the future offers.”
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