Let’s think back to 6 October 1973.
The day when the Egyptian and Syrian armies launched a surprise attack on Israel to eliminate the State and reclaim the territory for the Arab tribes.
On this sacred day of Yom Kippur when residents, solemnly in prayer, were alarmed with the unexpected sirens of war.
Prime Minister Golda Meir was in a state of shock.
Israel, with less than 200 tanks facing an enemy with 1400 tanks was totally ill-equipped to counter an onslaught of this magnitude.
The Prime Minister acted promptly and phoned Richard Nixon, President of the United States in the middle of night for immediate assistance.
Nixon responded with urgency, despite opposition from Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger and Deputy Director of the CIA, Vernon Walters who both warned about the cost to America in supporting Israel.
This warning became a reality when Saudi Arabia placed an embargo on the supply of oil to America and caused a steep escalation in the price of oil.
But Nixon was determined to help Israel:
“Get the stuff they need and send it off now. Now!
Operation Nickel Grass was up and running without further ado.
Planeload after planeload flew out of America carrying some 22,000 tons of much-needed munitions and materials.
Later a further 90,000 tons were dispatched by sea.
The outcome of the Yom Kippur War left Israel victorious, but deeply scarred.
Prime Minister Golda Meir resigned, claiming her inability to adequately protect the country she led was a failure in her leadership.
It was an honourable decision.
Why did Nixon Agree?
Although the Jewish community of America contributed greatly to building the economy of America over many years, Richard Nixon was no lover of the Jews, perhaps for political reasons, but when Golda Meir phoned him that night, he acted without a second thought.
It took him back to his childhood days and his mother, Hannah Nixon, who was a devout believer in the Christian faith.
Yet, when Richard was just a boy she loved to tell him stories and read passages from the Old Testament.
Clearly, she admired the heroes of the bible, their bravery and how miracles saved the Jewish nation time after number, often despite overwhelming odds.
Hannah Nixon had a vision for her son:
“Richard, someday you’re going to be in a position when you can help save the Jewish people. And when that day comes, you must do everything in your power.”
Nixon never forgot the words of wisdom and encouragement from his mother. The day had arrived and he was now in a position when he could help the Jewish people.
Golda Meir summed it up so meaningfully:
“For generations to come, all will be told of the miracle of the immense planes from the United States bringing in the material that meant life to our people.”
As the Jewish people love to quip:
“We don’t pray for miracles. We expect them.”
Operation Nickel Grass!
A strange name for a mighty undertaking where thousands of lives were at risk, but its origin dates back to the days of the old Korean War when the American fighter pilots concocted a bar-room ballad.
“Throw a nickel on the grass, save a pilot’s ass.”
The legend claims that when a pilot leaves on a dangerous mission he must throw a nickel on the grass before take-off.
Should he not return from battle one of his buddies would have the nickel to phone his loved ones with the sad news.
