While hanging around waiting for Rommel to invade in what was then British Mandate Palestine, the AIF Sixth Division under General Blamey was inspired to hold a surf carnival in Gaza. This was the population’s introduction to the sport. Legend has it that Max Rose from the North Narrabeen Surf Lifesaving Club was presented the Blamey Cup by Blamey’s wife.
Fifty-four years later, Israel had pulled out of Gaza, set up its satrap Palestinian Authority on the West Bank, and put Hamas-governed Gaza under siege.
olddogthoughts 