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Follow Us on TwitterLinda Mearing (NSW) writes to FM Bob Carr re Australia-Israel joint issue stamps 26Jun13 June 27, 2013
Senator Bob Carr
Foreign Minister
Dear Senator Carr
I write to advise you of my deep concern regarding Australia Post’s release of a joint postage stamp with Israel commemorating the Battle of Beersheba (1917).
My concerns are :-
- Factual inaccuracy
- Offence to the families and descendants of Australian allies at the time
- The international embarrassment generated by the factual errors
- Misleading representation to current and future generations of Australians
The text of my letter to the CEO of Australia Post is below.
Dear Mr Fahour
I note Australia Post has released a joint stamp with Israel to commemorate the Battle Of Beersheba (1917).
As Israel did not exist in 1917 it is curious that Israel should be linked to the Palestine Campaign alongside Australian troops. The suggestion that Israel did take part in the campaign is highly offensive to the families and descendants of our Palestinian allies who did take part in the Beersheba campaign.
I do not want to see Australia embarrassed internationally by being inaccurate on this matter. Nor do I want to see future generations of Australian children given the impression that Israel existed in 1917 and that Palestinians were not allies of Australia in its conflict with the Ottoman Empire.
Australia would be well served in many respects by withdrawing these stamps immediately.
I will also be bringing this matter to the attention of the Foreign Minister, Senator Robert Carr and my local federal MP the Minister for School Education, Mr Peter Garret, member for Kingsford Smith.
Yours sincerely
Senator, I believe you are also not interested in historical inaccuracies which embarrass Australia internationally.
Yours sincerely
Linda Mearing
BA, Dip Ed, Dip Soc.
Thank You.
