As part of the Australia 2013 World Stamp Expo (10 – 15 May), Australia Post and Israel Post are marking the Battle of Beersheba through the release of a commemorative issue of two stamps.

The Battle of Beersheba is a significant event in the history of both countries and one of Australia’s greatest and least-known military triumphs.

The Battle of Beersheba took place on 31 October 1917 as part of the wider British offensive collectively known as the Third Battle of Gaza.

The heavily outnumbered Australians pushed back the Turkish troops and opened the way for the capture of Jerusalem.

The stamp issue features two key images:

• Stamp one (60c) – Australian Light Horseman. This stamp features the statue of an Australian Light Horseman in the Park of the Australian Soldier at Beersheva, Israel
• Stamp two ($2.60) – Battle of Beersheba. This stamp features contemporary images of Australian Light Horsemen

Australia Post Managing Director and CEO Ahmed Fahour, said the joint stamp issue is a great addition to the World Stamp Expo and a tangible way for Australia Post to acknowledge its relationship with Israel Post.

“It’s been a real pleasure working with Israel Post on this stamp issue. The Battle of Beersheba is something close to the hearts of both Israelis and Australians and was a clear choice to feature on the stamp issue,” said Mr Fahour.

“We are honoured to have representatives of Israel Post here as our guests and look forward to their presence at the exhibition”.

CEO of Israel Postal Company Mr Haim Elmoznino, said The Israel Postal Company is proud to issue two joint stamps with Australia. The subject chosen for the stamps, the 1917 Battle of Beersheba, is directly related to the beginning of the relationship between our two nations.

“Australia and the State of Israel have a strong friendship and diplomatic relations between the two countries result in cooperation in many different fields. I welcome the fact the Israel Postal Company and Australia Post also have an excellent working relationship. I would like to thank Australia Post for this joint project and I’m sure that the cooperation will continue and increase,” said Mr Elmoznino.

The Australia 2013 Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP) World Stamp Expo commemorates the centenary of the 1913 Kangaroo and Map stamp – Australia’s first national postage stamp. It will run for six days from 10 to 15 May 2013 at the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne, Australia.

The Australia 2013 (FIP) World Stamp Expo will bring together national and international stamp dealers, exhibitors, postal administrators, traders and collectors from more than 60 countries. The event, to be held in Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building, will be the second-largest international philatelic exhibition ever held, and will display a range of collections valued in excess of A$300 million.

Details about ticket sales, souvenirs, catalogues, and event activities can be found at www.worldstampexpo.com.au (External link).

The stamps and associated products will be available from 10 May 2013 from the Australia Post stand at the exhibition, participating Australia Post retail outlets.

World Stamp Expo Fast Facts

When: Friday 10 May – Wednesday 15 May 2013

Where: Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens, Melbourne

Tickets: Day pass $10, season pass $35. No concessions. Children up to 16 years of age admitted free of charge.

On exhibition:

• A first-time display of all of the trophies won by Australian champion mare, Black Caviar
• The Court of Honour showcasing items from the Royal Philatelic Collection and the Australia Post National Philatelic Collection, as well as the first Commonwealth banknote (10 shillings, 1913) and the 1813 Holey Dollar and “dump”, courtesy of Coinworks
• Rare and valuable stamps and postal history

Available products:

• Australia and Israel joint stamp issue commemorating the Battle of Beersheba
• Black Caviar commemorative stamp issue
• Kangaroo and Map commemorative stamp issue
• First Commonwealth banknote commemorative stamp issue
• Pardalotes, the fourth stamp issue in the Australian Birds series by Christopher Pope

What to do:

• Visit the prestigious Black Caviar – The Perfect Run exhibition, displayed for the first time
• Meet stamp designers, including those from the Australia Post Design Studio, in the Designer Gallery
• Personalise your own stamp
• Mint your own coin
• Have your personal collections appraised by an expert