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Israel and Australia are both young countries and both are located in regions replete with ancient history. Despite the great geographical distance between the two countries, they bear many similar characteristics: both were largely established and developed by immigrants who gathered from around the world, creating modern, progressive multi-cultural societies graced with an abundance of languages, religions and traditions belonging to its various communities.
Israel and Australia both lie in arid regions and have been very successful in coping with their lack of water, turning desert areas into paradise. Through innovation and ingenuity, both countries nave developed their local economies and have become world leaders in sophisticated hi-tech industries.
These two countries formed a bond 95 years ago, some 30 years before the establishment of the State of Israel. During WWI, Australian troops fought alongside the British army to conquer Eretz Israel from under Ottoman rule. During the battle of Beersheba (October 31, 1917), which constituted the turning point in the campaign, the Australian Light Horse Brigade fought with extraordinary valor and decisiveness, thus determining the outcome of the battle.
The friendly Australian soldiers were remembered fondly by residents of the Jewish colonies of Eretz Israel. Warm ties were also formed with the Australian soldiers who were stationed in Eretz Israel during WWII.
Australia supported the establishment of a Jewish State in the historic United Nations vote on November 29, 1947 and recognized the State of Israel upon its establishment.
Israel and Australia maintain wide-scale trade relations and the two countries maintain close diplomatic ties, reinforcing and illustrating the historic bond forged on the battlefield.
