By Nick Dalgety
It was a blessing to spend a day with three lovely Israeli travellers yesterday.
First, a step back into the past
We met at a Purim Gathering in Nelson, New Zealand.
At this time every year, the Jewish community around the world recall the miracle of escaping the evil Haman in Persia.
Haman deceitfully got the Persian King, some 2,500 years ago, to pass an edict that all Jews in the land, be destroyed. Queen Esther, who was secretly Jewish and Mordecai’s cousin/ward, was encouraged by Mordecai to intercede. She did. Haman was executed. The Jews fought back and survived by God’s grace.
The Haman of our day
In our day the fanatical Islamic regime of Iran (Persia) is seeking to destroy Israel. In similar fashion the Jews of Israel have executed their leader, Khamenei – read a type of Haman. Israel is now working to destroy the regime’s ability to use nuclear weaponry to annihilate them in the future.
Away from the battlefield
My friends have spent the last 2 1/2 years defending their homeland while waging a war with a bloodthirsty enemy; the Iranian regime and its proxies – notably Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
Much deserved timeout
Here they are in New Zealand, taking some much needed time out. They were happy for me to join them for a day in the faraway land of Golden Bay. And so it was.
We started the day with a coffee at The Dangerous Cafe. Then to Pupu Springs and the pure waters that rise from the limestone mountains. Next, off to the dramatic coastal landscape of Wharariki Beach. Finally, a short visit to an old University friend, Mark, who lives in Wainui Inlet.
And so, the day came to an end.
About the Author
Nick Dalgety is a Kiwi born in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. In recent times my wife and I have made Nelson in the top of the South Island home.
My day job involves working with people making a living from land and sea. In my spare time my passion is taking pictures that celebrate what is iconic about Aotearoa New Zealand. Inevitably this involves discovering amazing people, in their special place making and doing what they do best.
When travelling overseas, I often seek out similar experiences. I created Provenance101 to share these experiences.
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