ANZAC means many things to many people. Each year I write an article on ANZAC and with events in Europe as we speak brings to the fore the danger we are in. Everything ANZAC shouts ….
Thinking Israel, there are innumerable ANZAC sites in Israel and many of these are associated with the Light Horse. The securing Jerusalem in 1917 into Allied hands is another. I have led two tours to Israel through InnerFaith Travel.
Israel
I have been advised that while most of Israel's tourist attractions—with the possible exception of Jerusalem's Old City—remain safe for foreign tourists, There is always much dis-information about Israel. We live in a world where one sided reporting on Israel is common place.
Jerusalem
Some of the tourist sites - the Garden Tomb, the Holy Sepulchre where several administrations of faiths share the responsibility of supervision – these are good to visit.
The various tombs such as David's and the Upper Room. The model of the 1st century Jerusalem is a must. The Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane, the pool of Bathesda, Crusader Castles, the Western Wall and the Hezekiah Tunnel.
Sea of Galilee
Tiberius is an amazing place with quite fabulous tourist accommodation. Sea of Galilee boat rides are available and these are very interesting along with video presentations on the Galilee.
The Sermon on the Mount was up the hill from the Sea of Galilee (Mount of Beatitudes) and its been said that you can hear people speaking clearly 400 metres away as the gentle on shore winds carry the words. Capernium is also part of this area where Peter's house is sited.
Masada and the Dead Sea
This is a must with the tourist guide giving chapter and verse of the siege in 70AD – the description of the water supply, the natural air conditioning, how food was smuggled, and the views around where the Romans camped. The Dead Sea's remarkable salt - which floats your body regardless of weight.
Central Israel
This depends whether the tour takes the coastal or the inland route. The inland route will take you to see Gideon's Stream and site many of the Old Testament stories along with Qumran and where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. The coastal route takes you to Mt Carmel overlooking the Valley of Jezreal where so many biblical prophecies are made let alone seeing the bread basket of Israel's market garden industry. For example, 80% of Europe's oranges come from Israel.
Far North
This area may not be available for tourists, but we were allowed. This was to the Golan Heights and some of the amazing temples built into the rocks – the backdrop as to where Jesus asked his disciples who they thought he was. Further north, the Transfiguration.
Jericho
The road between Jericho and Jerusalem is uphill and this provides the back drop for the wilderness, and it is it just that. This surprised me. It's not far compared to Australian distances, but the starkness of the wilderness is something to behold.
ANZAC - Israel
The many sites associated with WWI Allied victories and the celebration march into Jerusalem led by Australia’s General Allenby are highlights. As is the Light Horse and Beersheba.
ANZAC is an idea that is strong and heartfelt in Australia and New Zealand – sacrifice, love, devotion, friendship, country, God.
Dr Mark Tronson - a 4 min video
Chairman – Well-Being Australia
Baptist Minister 45 years
- 1984 - Australian cricket team chaplain 17 years (Ret)
- 2001 - Life After Cricket (18 years Ret)
- 2009 - Olympic Ministry Medal – presented by Carl Lewis
- 2019 - The Gutenberg - (ARPA Christian Media premier award)
Gutenberg video - 2min 14sec
Married to Delma for 45 years with 4 children and 6 grand children