A history of the Yom Kippur War

Israel and coalition Arab forces fought the Yom Kippur War from October 6 to 25, 1973. The war began on Yom Kippur and ended 20 days later. The war is notable for many reasons, but one of the most significant is that it started on the holiest day in Judaism. For nearly 26 hours, Jewish people abstain from food or drink. Instead, they spend the day in prayer. So when Egyptian forces charged through the Sinai Desert, Israeli forces were unprepared.

The Yom Kippur War changed the face of Israel. Before the war, most considered Israel to be an invincible military power. The war showed that Israel was not invulnerable, and it also led to an increased willingness on the part of Arab states to negotiate with Israel. For America, the Yom Kippur War was a wake-up call demonstrating the need for a more robust military presence in the Middle East.

The Yom Kippur War began on October 6, 1973, when Egypt and Syria attacked Israel. The Egyptian army managed to break through the Sinai Desert and reach the Suez Canal. Syrian troops also made significant gains, occupying parts of the Golan Heights.

However, the tide began to turn in Israel's favor after a few days. Israeli reserves quickly mobilized. Within two weeks, Israeli forces regained control of the Sinai and the Golan Heights. A ceasefire was declared on October 25.

The Yom Kippur War had far-reaching consequences for both Israel and her Arab neighbors. Many considered Israel to be impenetrable. The war also led to an increased willingness on the part of Arab states to negotiate with Israel.

In America, the war served as a wake-up call, demonstrating the need for a more robust military presence in the Middle East. Prior to 1973, American policy in the region focused on containing Soviet influence. After the war, however, it became clear that America needed to pay more attention to the volatile situation in the Middle East.

Further, the war showed that Israel was not invulnerable. This led to an increased willingness on the part of Arab states to negotiate with Israel. Ultimately, the war served as a wake-up call, demonstrating the need for a more robust military presence in the Middle East.

The Yom Kippur War is an important event in Israeli history. Every year on October 6, Israel commemorates the anniversary of the start of the war. The day is a National Day of Mourning.

Schools and businesses are closed on this day, and memorial services are held throughout the country. Memorials have also been erected to commemorate the soldiers who lost their lives in the war.

Of course, the most well-known monument is the Menorah at Mount Herzl, which has seven branches representing each Israeli military branch. There is also a national cemetery on Mount Herzl. Many service members who died in the war are buried here.

As expected, the war had a significant impact on Israel and its people. Memorial services and monuments serve as a reminder of those who lost their lives. By observing this day every year, Israelis keep alive the memory of one of the darkest days in their country's history.

Read more about the war here.