On September 25, 1918, 102 year ago, an important battle was fought between the Australian light cavalry forces and Imperial Germany’s troops along with their Ottoman allies for the control of Samakh (modern day Tzemach), a key strategic point located on the southern shore of the Sea of Galilee, just outside Tiberias.
The results of the battle had the potential to shift the power balance in the Middle Eastern theater during World War I, since the town of Samakh controlled the most direct route to Damascus, which was part of the Ottoman Empire. Also, a series of railroad lines, which were part of the Ottoman lines of communication, ran through the town.
Kinneret Academic College will commemorate the events of that day later on this month by holding an official ceremony with the anticipated participation of the Australian Defense Attaché, as well as other dignitaries.