What did a British soldier, a Gentile, do in the difficult and dangerous years preceding World War II and in the birth of the modern State of Israel?
More interestingly, why?
Wingate was born in India where his father, Colonel Wingate, who served in the British Army became a dedicated member of the Plymouth Brethren faith.
When the family returned to England, Orde Wingate received a Christian education as a boy and at the age of 18 years joined the Royal Military Academy.
After completing a routine military education Wingate was posted to the Sudan.
It was a sound assignment by the Royal Academy as they understood Wingate had a fascination with Arabic culture and their political aspirations.
Later, in recognition of his knowledge of Arabic affairs, he was assigned to British Mandate Palestine, where he was expected to quell the activities of Arab saboteurs who were attacking a vital Araqi-Haifa oil pipeline.
A Love of the Bible
Despite his formal education at a Christian school, Wingate became quite enthusiastic about some of the stories from the Old Testament.
As a youngster, his mother liked to read him excerpts from the Psalms and Proverbs.
Gradually he developed a love of the Bible, a love that began to shape the whole course of his life.
His biographer Christopher Sykes commented:
“His attention was less moved by the wisdom of the New Testament than by the ecstasy and splendours of the Old.”
After being transferred to Palestine, he felt exhilarated treading where the Old Testament prophets had earlier walked.
He was enchanted by the beauty and traditions of the country which inspired him to sing passages from Scripture, Psalms and Prophets.
His enthusiasm for the writings and teaching from the Old Testament became the basis for his later love for the land of Israel and the cause of Zionism.
Military Matters
But Wingate was charged with a more practical matter from the British Government.
His appointment was to quell the Arab saboteurs, a mission which he achieved with success and which came to the attention of David Hacohen, a prominent Jewish commander of the Hagana Defense Forces in Haifa.
Hacohen became curious about Wingate’s interest and previous contacts with Jews and Zionism and spoke with him. Wingate replied:
“In regard to Zionism there is only one important book on the subject. The Bible. I have read it thoroughly. Long before I reached Palestine I knew what the Jews were seeking. I understood what they needed, sympathised with their aims, AND KNEW THEY WERE RIGHT.”
But Wingate had much more to say:
The struggle the Jews faced in dealing with Arab attackers who resented their presence in the Holy Land highlighted his military skills and actions.
“I count it as my privilege to help you fight your battle. To that purpose I want to devote my life. I believe the very existence of mankind is justified when it is based on the moral foundation of the Bible. Whoever dares lift a hand against you and your enterprise here should be fought against.”
Orde Wingate has become part of the history of Israel.
A legend!
He was a true friend who was in the right place at the right time.
He revolutionised the Israeli Army, training them in forceful and inspirational tactics designed to defeat enemies, rather than employ defensive measures.
To this day his contribution to the safety of Israel has enabled us to claim the Israeli Defense Forces are recognised as one of the finest in the world.
