Dr. Haim Ben Yakov, Director General of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, participated in a ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the legendary Tel-Hai battle. The event was held at the Israeli Parliament with Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amihai Shikli, and various political, academic, and public figures in attendance.

The ceremony honored Yosef Trumpeldor and his comrades who died defending the Jewish settlement in 1920. Trumpeldor—the first Jewish officer in the Russian army who earned four St. George Crosses despite losing an arm in the Russo-Japanese War—profoundly influenced Ze’ev Jabotinsky, founder of the revisionist movement.

When World War I erupted, Trumpeldor, undeterred by his disability, traveled to Egypt where he formed a unit that fought under British command, notably at Gallipoli. His heroic death inspired Jabotinsky to establish the Beitar youth movement (Brit Yosef Trumpeldor). The Tel-Hai battle became a pivotal milestone in Zionist history.

“We were honored to participate in this moving ceremony, which highlighted Israel’s indomitable character and iron resolve, both historically and today,” Ben Yakov remarked. “Today’s speeches should inspire us to find common ground. The fascinating historical research revealing the deeply respectful relationship between Ze’ev Jabotinsky and Berl Katzenelson teaches us that even profound ideological differences should not prevent respectful dialogue.”

Photo: מאיר אליפור