I have in the past, spoken of the deep connection that exists between our "lucky country" of residence, Australia, and our country of origin and ultimate destiny, Israel.

The two salient points are as follows:
 
A) It was the Zion Mule Corps, precursor to the Hagana and later Tzahal, that landed with the Anzacs at Gallipoli on April 25th 1915, the event that was to forge Australia's identity as a proud and independent nation. And it was soldiers of the Zion Mule Corps, no less than the heroic Simpson and his Donkey, who sacrificed their lives to rescue their wounded Australian comrades in arms.
 
B) It was the Anzacs, soldiers of the Light Horse Brigade, who upon their return from Gallipoli, charged and conquered Be'er Sheva on October 31st, 1917. This, the last successful cavalry charge in history, led to the issuing of the Balfour Declaration several days later, and ultimately to the establishment of the modern State of Israel.

From the above it can clearly be seen that Australia and Israel each played a crucial role in the formation and the identity of the other.

Although this has neither been sufficiently acknowledged nor publicized - it serves as a powerful underpinning of the strong and unique bond that exists between our two nations, a bond that has been reinforced by successive Australian governments.

In spite of the unrelenting threats to its very existence from the very day of its proclamation sixty-six years ago, Israel has emerged as the greatest success story of nation building in history. Today it is an economic power-house, a world leader in technology, bio-technology and agricultural innovation, and of course, a centre of Torah learning, with more students and greater scholarship than at any time since the destruction of our Holy Temple.

As proud Australian Jews with a deep connection to Israel, both as Australians and as Jews, we toast the State of Israel as she approaches her 66th Birthday. And most importantly, we give thanks to Almighty G-d for His abundant Kindness and continued Guidance, Providence and Protection.

May He now lead us towards the ultimate destiny of all humankind - and immediately herald in the long-awaited Era of our righteous Moshiach.

Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM