14 Jan ZFA President, Philip Chester, makes a statement on the death of former Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon z”l.

ZFA President, Philip Chester, makes a statement on the death of former Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel

Sharon z"l.

The Zionist Federation of Australia mourns the passing of Ariel Sharon one of the last remaining founding fathers of the state of Israel, a man who made a major contribution to the state of Israel as a soldier, politician and Prime Minister.

Born in 1928 the former Prime Minister's history in Israel began prior to the establishment of the state. Joining the Haganah at the age of 14 his past was intertwined with the founding of Israel's independence.

Former PM, Ariel Sharon, was an exceptional soldier who dedicated his life to protecting Israel and its citizens. He founded and led the "101" special commando unit which carried out retaliatory operation against terrorist groups as well as serving as a commander in the 1948 War of Independence and the 1967 Six Day War. During the 1973 Yom Kippur War Sharon led the crossing of the Suez Canal which brought about victory in the war and subsequent peace with Egypt.