Red Flowers in the Desert: Reflections on ANZAC Day
- Tamar Balkin
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
“The red poppy has special significance for Australians as they were among the first to flower in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium in the First World War. In soldiers’ folklore, the vivid red of the poppy came from the blood of their comrades soaking the ground.”
Despite being on leave, I felt compelled to pause and share a few thoughts on remembrance. On April 25, we mark ANZAC Day. Just days later, on April 29, Israel observes Yom HaZikaron—its National Day of Mourning for fallen soldiers and victims of terror.
It’s early spring here in Israel—one of my favourite seasons. I delight in seeing the flowers bloom, enjoying the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, and watching people embrace the warmth of the sun. I’ve also had the privilege of hiking through the stunning and varied landscapes this country offers. In the Judean Hills and the arid desert in the south, I’ve been struck by the unexpected appearance of red flowers—kalaniot, as they’re called in Hebrew—bursting from cracks in the earth.
Since the First World War, poppies have served as a symbol of both remembrance and renewal—a poignant expression of mourning and optimism. Although the kalanit is not the same flower, post-October 7, its vivid red hue has come to carry a similar meaning in Israeli society: honour, sorrow, and hope. Seeing them scattered across this ancient, wounded land reminds me of the bravery of all those who serve to protect our democratic freedoms.
The bond between Australia and Israel stretches back over a century. In 1917, during the First World War, the Ottomans—aligned with Germany—threatened the British-controlled Suez Canal. After two failed offensives on Gaza, General Edmund Allenby devised a bold plan: strike the fortified desert town of Beer Sheba where the Ottomans least expected. On October 31, the ANZAC Light Horse Brigade launched one of history’s last great cavalry charges. Ordered not to dismount, they galloped directly into enemy fire, bayonets drawn. Their speed and courage caught the Turkish defenders off guard. The victory shattered the Ottoman line and paved the way for the British to take Jerusalem weeks later—a turning point in the region’s history and a lasting symbol of the Australia–Israel connection.
ANZAC Day is a time to pause and honour the brave soldiers who gave their lives in pursuit of freedom, dignity, and peace. Their sacrifice helped shape the safe, democratic world we are privileged to live in today.
My hope for the year ahead is best captured in the words of the prophet Isaiah:
“They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”
Isaiah 2:4
References and more information.
https://www.army.gov.au/about-us/history-and-research/traditions/red-poppy https://allisrael.com/blog/the-kalanit-israel-s-national-flower-and-a-symbol-of-the-land-s-rich-history
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