ANZAC Centre Be’er Sheva

The story behind the Centre

On 31 October 1917, one of the most dramatic battles of the First World War campaign in the Land of Israel took place in Be’er Sheva. The battle formed part of a broader military operation planned following two unsuccessful British attempts to capture Gaza earlier that year. Be’er Sheva stood at the eastern end of an Ottoman defensive line stretching approximately 50 kilometres to Gaza.

At the ANZAC Memorial Centre in Be’er Sheva, visitors can discover the story of the battle, learn about the people who took part in it, and explore the historical connection that developed between Be’er Sheva, Australia and New Zealand.

A visit to the Centre includes a guided tour through the exhibition spaces, an introduction to the campaign for Be’er Sheva, and an audiovisual presentation that brings visitors closer to the dramatic moments of the battle.

Throughout the tour, visitors are introduced to the stories of the ANZAC soldiers, the conditions in which they served, and the strategic importance of Be’er Sheva during the campaign.

The visit concludes on the Centre’s balcony, overlooking the nearby Beersheba War Cemetery, creating a direct connection between the historical story and the place in which it unfolded.

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