Israel's History:
1973

1973:
by Judah Loewenstein, 2002-2003 Hagalil Israel Affairs VP

In 1973 There were major historical, political, and huge military related events that took place in Israel.

• A Libyan civilian plane was erroneously downed by the IDF in Sinai.
• Ephraim Katzir became Israel's fourth president
  Three landmark events "defined" Katzir's Presidency. His term in office began on May 24, 1973 - just over four months prior to the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War and exactly a year after the tragic death of his brother. A third momentous event occurred when President Anwar Sadat of Egypt visited in Jerusalem. This showed some sort of peace between the two nations.
• The Herut Movement and the Liberal Party join to form the Likud Party.
• Israel's military attaché in Washington killed by terrorists.
• Yom Kippur War
  On the Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the Jewish year, Egypt and Syria launch a coordinated surprise attack, on Israeli forces in the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights. Repulsed by Israel after fierce fighting and heavy losses. The war lasted for 3 weeks, ending on October 22. Secretary of State Kissinger visited Israel and conferred with the Prime Minister and senior Ministers. He explained the background for Security Council Resolution 338. Even before his arrival, the Israel Government had already accepted that Resolution. The war ended on October 26 on the Egyptian front with the same resolution. UN General Assembly passes Resolution 338, calling for a settlement of the Arab-Israel conflict.
• First Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, regarded as the father of the State of Israel, passed away. This came as a huge blow to the country and he was mourned by all citizens. This was because he In the first five years of statehood, as prime minister, Ben-Gurion's forceful and charismatic leadership led to mass immigration that doubled the population in the first four years of statehood. He directed absorption, investing the majority of the new nation's limited resources in integrating immigrants and securing outlying areas through new settlements, and universal education in a public school system. As minister of defense, he molded the character and structure of the IDF.
• Elections for the Eighth Knesset took place.

The year 1973 had many historical and changing events. With all the military action taking place it really called on the nation to stay strong and work through these hard times. It defined the character of Israelis and there love for the land. By the time all was said and done the country was stronger than ever before.