Six Day War of 1967 - 3rd Arab Israeli War

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"Every one of the hundred million Arabs has been living ... to see the day Israel is liquidated"

Cairo Radio’s Voice of the Arabs broadcast,
May 18th 1967.

Personal recollections from the Diaspora

 

I was 18 years old and had never really considered my Jewishness. I lived in Westcliff-on-Sea, which had a decent sized Jewish community but I pretty much took it for granted. I went to a Catholic grammar school, was allowed out Friday nights, dated non-Jews and then, on June 2, the whole family went to London to see Topol in Fiddler on the Roof. That was when I discovered my identity and went to Rex House to sign up as a volunteer. My parents didn't understand the change in me but I remember they were so proud and supportive. I don't remember being afraid at all but had the romantic notion that "I would die for my country".

I was then glued to the TV until I finally flew out on June 20th, with a planeload of other kids from all over the UK. We were taken on a day trip to Yad Vashem and I wasn't the only one who knew so little about our heritage. There were Jewish boys who had never been Bar Mitzvah, let alone went to cheder, and I think it was a Rite of Passage for many of us.

The seed was sown and my pride in my Jewish heritage continues to grow. I spent 4 months that time, working on kibbutzim and in an army reservist camp. The Israelis were wonderful and so grateful for our presence. I imagine it must have been like Londoners during the Blitz. Everyone came together and helped each other. I was unaware that there were different types of Jews and different social classes. Everyone was equal with one ultimate goal - to live in peace. I went back to Israel as a volunteer two more times and always had that feeling of belonging.

- Susie Hirschfield (Mexico)

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