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In a heartrending revelation, Wilma Spence, the daughter of a World War II veteran, has discovered that her father’s grave at the Gaza War Cemetery has likely been destroyed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This tragedy has sparked intense feelings of grief and anger, prompting Spence to seek answers and accountability from the Australian government. As the conflict in the region escalates, the fate of the graves of Commonwealth soldiers buried in Gaza now hangs in the balance.
A Legacy Shattered
Wilma Spence is mourning not only her father, Albert Kemp, an Anzac who lost his life in Palestine at the tender age of 27, but also the symbolic loss of his grave. Spence recalls the inscription on her father’s tombstone: “Fighting for those who love him, our darling daddy died.” The emotional weight of these words was palpable as she shared them, tears brimming in her eyes.
Recent satellite imagery has revealed significant destruction at the Gaza War Cemetery, particularly in the area where Kemp was interred. An IDF spokesperson defended the actions, claiming the grave sites were bulldozed to dismantle “underground terrorist infrastructure” identified in the vicinity. However, this justification has been met with scepticism from families who feel their loved ones’ memories have been disrespected.
Ancestral Connections
Kemp enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in October 1939, serving with distinction across various theatres of war. He was awarded multiple campaign medals, yet for Spence, the most profound connection to her father lay in the cemetery where he was buried. In 1995, she made a pilgrimage to the Gaza War Cemetery, enduring a two-hour interrogation by Mossad, to pay her respects. The experience of finding his grave was deeply emotional, a connection she now fears has been irreparably severed.
“The cemetery was a place where I felt closest to him,” she reflected, lamenting the destruction that has rendered that connection uncertain.
Calls for Action
Wilma Spence has been proactive in her efforts to seek justice for the damaged graves. Since October 2023, she has written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, urging his government to investigate the situation and advocate for the preservation of the cemetery. However, her pleas have largely been met with bureaucratic responses, redirecting her concerns to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of Australian War Graves.
With the upcoming visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Australia, Spence hopes to galvanise the government into action, insisting they should raise the issue directly with him. “I think they’re passing the buck,” she said, expressing frustration at the lack of concrete support for a matter so personal and poignant.
Government Response
The Australian government has acknowledged the “significant damage” to the Gaza War Cemetery, with a spokesperson from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs confirming the concerns of the Office of Australian War Graves. While there are plans to secure and eventually repair the cemetery, a timeline for restoration remains uncertain due to ongoing conflict in the region.
Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles has stated the government’s grave concerns over the destruction and affirmed their commitment to repairing the graves once conditions allow. However, the immediate focus remains on humanitarian efforts in the area, leaving families like Spence’s in limbo regarding the fate of their loved ones’ final resting places.
Why it Matters
The demolition of war graves represents a profound disrespect to the memory of those who sacrificed their lives in service of their country. For families like Wilma Spence’s, the loss is not merely physical but emotional, severing ties to ancestral history and legacy. As the Australian government navigates its diplomatic responsibilities, the need for accountability and respect for the sacrifices made during wartime becomes paramount. The preservation of these sites is not only a matter of heritage but also a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of conflict.
