British Poppies in the Land of Israel

British Poppies are not usually found in Israel.  In fact, if you ask most Israelis, they don’t have a clue what a British Poppy is or why they are so important to Brits living in Israel. Are you aware that the proceeds from the sale of poppies provide lifelong support to UK military currently serving and ex-serving personnel and their families? 

The Royal British Legion is at the heart of a national network that supports the British Armed Forces community.  The support starts after one day of service and continues through life, long after service is over. From providing expert advice and guidance, to recovery and rehabilitation, through to transitioning to civilian life.  It’s not just members of the Armed Forces but their families too.

The Royal British Legion is at the heart of a national network that supports the British Armed Forces community.

“The Royal British Legion has been supporting Service men and women, ex-serving personnel and their families since 1921.  They are Britain’s largest Armed Forces charity, with 180,000 members, 110,000 volunteers and a network of partners and charities; helping give support wherever and whenever it’s needed.”  British Legion Org UK

This year, different organisations in Israel provided Poppies to their members. How does it feel for a dual citizen, British and Israeli, to buy poppies in Israel?  

“As Chair of IBCA I am very appreciative that one of my colleagues has helped our organisation to support Remembrance Day and the sale of British Poppies with all it symbolises.

“I am a British Israeli living in Israel during the current war here, we think every day of our brave IDF soldiers who are protecting our homeland.   Having grown up and spent much of my life in England I have always understood the importance and bravery of the British and Commonwealth Armed forces.  Thanks to the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force we have been able to preserve the freedoms which we must not take for granted. 

“With my thanks and support of the British and Commonwealth Armed forces and especially their brave veterans, I can wear my poppy today with pride.”  Melvin Berwald

Elkan Levy, First Grand Principal of the Masonic Supreme Grand Chapter of Israel,  “I grew up in London in the 40s and 50s. The city still bore scars of the Blitz, and most of my parents’ contemporaries, and my school teachers, had served in the war. I remember as a small boy standing next to my mother outside Queensway underground station while she sold poppies to raise money for those who had suffered in the war. Nobody walked past without putting something in the box and pinning a poppy on their coat.

“It is still a universal Symbol of Remembrance in the Commonwealth and other countries, and in recent years we have started seeing it in Israel. Freedom is not a transient thing; it lies at the heart of civilisation and civilised behaviour. We in Israel understand, possibly more than any other nation, the cost of freedom but in doing so I am also proud to wear a poppy in tribute to those of a previous generation who fought and died for those same ideals. Given the very substantial help that the Jewish community of Mandate Palestine gave to the British Army during both World Wars, in this country with the Jewish Legion (38th – 40th Royal Fusiliers) and in Europe with the Jewish Brigade, it is only fitting that we should do so in tribute to them as well.

“I had the honour of speaking about the Poppy Appeal and took the poppies and collection box to two  English speaking Masonic lodges, Sharon Star Lodge number 7 and Gardens of Netanya Lodge number 67. The brethren of the Lodge and the visitors who were present understood and appreciated the significance of the Poppy appeal, indeed many of them had come from Britain or Commonwealth countries. They readily purchased poppies, which led other brethren to do so as well.”

Netanya AACI is honoured to offer poppies to anyone who comes to their community center.  A collecting box and poppies are available at the front desk.  “My name is Natalie Green and I am a past chair of Netanya AACI.  Since I made Aliyah 16 years ago we have always had poppies for sale on our front desk.  They are particularly significant for me as my father served in WW2 in the 8th Army and then in the Jewish Brigade.

Every year my family always watched the AJEX  Association of Jewish Ex Servicemen and Women ceremony and saw our father carrying the flag in front of his local branch.  We all wore our poppies with pride and continued to go even after his death.”

This year, Netanya HOB again offered poppies at one of their popular events. Laurette Pearlman, Chairwoman, was very active in the UK selling poppies.  For thirty-five years she dedicated her time to make sure poppies were made available in her community. 

Photo (L to R) Jeannie Goldstone and Netanya HOB Chairwoman, Laurette Pearlman

Poppies are available close to the British Remembrance Sunday (second Sunday in November).  “It is a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life. We remember the Armed Forces, and their families, from Britain and the Commonwealth, the vital role played by the emergency services and those who have lost their lives as a result of conflict or terrorism.”  British Legion

 In Flanders Fields by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae

    In Flanders fields, the poppies blow

         Between the crosses, row on row,

       That mark our place; and in the sky

       The larks, still bravely singing, fly

    Scarce heard amid the guns below.

    We are the Dead. Short days ago

    We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

       Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

                              In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

    To you from failing hands we throw

       The torch; be yours to hold it high.

       If ye break faith with us who die

    We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

                                In Flanders fields.