Remembering the Israeli Raid on Entebbe

Jerusalem Diaries ^ | 7/4/10 | Judy Lash Balint

[jerusalemjudy]

Today marks the 34th anniversary of Operation Yonatan, Israel's dramatic rescue of 103 hostages that took place on July 4, 1976 at Entebbe, Uganda.

As a college student in the US, I vividly remember watching events unfold as most of the rest of the nation was focused on the celebration of America's bi-centennial.

Jews around the world held their breath as the terrorist incident ended with a relatively minimal loss of life. Pride and admiration for the daring and courage of Israel's decision-makers and generals was the order of the day.

In Israel, the anniversary of the operation was marked for years by public official commemoration ceremonies. This year, it appears that the only remembrance will be for Yoni Netanyahu, commander of the operation and the only Israeli soldier killed at Entebbe. The Netanyahu family placed a newspaper ad announcing the annual pilgrimage to the grave of Yoni, older brother of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

Back in July 2001, during the height of the terrorist war that followed the Camp David talks, things were different and an official state commemoration of the 25th anniversary took place at the Binyanei Hauma Convention Center in Jerusalem.

[Argus]

It was a great 200th birthday present from one best friend to another.

It makes me sick how Obama and his two-faced cronies are prepared to sell out Israel now. I pray for their FAILURE, and Israel’s victory and survival.

[fish hawk]

One of the greatest feats of all time. If only we had those kind of balls. Can you picture Bozo bowing to Idi Amin? I can.

[Roccus]

I spent that entire weekend on boats, gawking at all the sailing ships in Op-Sail ‘76 in NYC. I remember talking with my buddy that Saturday about how shocked we were that the Israelis had announced that they would negotiate with the terrorists. The Israelis had never negotiated in such circumstances before. Then, on the way to the marina early Sunday morning, we heard the news of the raid. Everybody in the car cheered and yelled. We could not have been more happy or proud if Americans had pulled off such an operation. The news set the tone for a truly great day.

[AlaskaErik]

In 1994 our unit was based at Entebbe in support of the Rwanda famine relief effort. Our planes were parked right at the base of the old tower that was in operation at the time of the raid and by the terminal where the hostages were being held. We actually got to go to the top of the tower, where we could see the bullet holes. By 1994 a new tower and terminal had been built and the old tower and terminal were occupied by squatters. Also while we were there, the only commando to be paralyzed in the raid came to Entebbe to reminisce.

[InABunkerUnderSF]

Entebe was one of the mighty herc's finest hours.

[hellbender]

If only Israel would carry out another Entebbe—a brilliantly planned and executed mission to wipe out the Iranian nuclear weapons program. Just as the world sat by during the crimes of Muslim Idi Amin Dada, so it is doing while the mullahs plot murder and conquest from their stronghold.

[goat granny]

The docu-drama on TV is awesome, if any one gets a chance to see it run again. I always rewatch it...Raid on Entebbe.

[blam]

"In Israel, the anniversary of the operation was marked for years by public official commemoration ceremonies. This year, it appears that the only remembrance will be for Yoni Netanyahu, commander of the operation and the only Israeli soldier killed at Entebbe."

Yoni was Benjamin's brother.

Benjamin is presently the Prime Minister of Israel.

[Roberts]

Yep, we just rented Raid on Entebbe from Netflix a few weeks back. Great cast, very well done.

[Larry Lucido]

Interesting entry on Wikipedia:

Upon the announcement by the hijackers that the airline crew and non-Jewish passengers would be released and put on another Air France plane that had been brought to Entebbe for that purpose, the flight captain Michel Bacos told the hijackers that all passengers, including those remaining, were his responsibility and that he would not leave them behind. Bacos’ entire crew followed suit. A French nun also refused to leave, insisting that one of the remaining hostages take her place, but she was forced into the waiting Air France plane by Ugandan soldiers.[3] A total of 85 Israeli and non-Israeli Jewish hostages remained, as well as 20 others, most of whom were the crew of the Air France plane.[1][14]

[Tijeras_Slim]

I didn’t know that, thanks blam.

[mick]

I was told that the Israelis did not use 9mm Uzi’s because they did not want the rounds to pass through the enemy and kill hostages. That they were mostly armed with American made 45ACP Ingram Mac 10’s because of the slower velocity and more knock down power...do you know if this is true?

[goat granny]

I just hope Israel doesn’t forget its God and its guts...that raid was awesome and I think God had a hand in its success when you think of what it was up against..

[Reily]

Also don't forget the day the Germans recovered their martial honor with the 1977 raid against hijackers in Kenya.

I remember cheering that one also!

[K-oneTexas]

Talk about good intelligence to be used for making a plan!

[stboz]

Idi-amin Dada got a chancre on his phallum buebe......at least according to Garrett Morris.

Needs to happen to a few other banty roosters in various countries.

[tlb]

One of the finest ending scenes from a modern movie.

Hine ma tov - The ending scene form The Raid on Entebbe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DmvdcZfS4c

[AlaskaErik]

I was told that the Israelis did not use 9mm Uzi’s because they did not want the rounds to pass through the enemy and kill hostages. That they were mostly armed with American made 45ACP Ingram Mac 10’s because of the slower velocity and more knock down power...do you know if this is true?

I really have no idea. I just saw where some of the bullets impacted. I couldn't even tell you what caliber was used. I do know they used C-130s to get there. Herks forever!

[goat granny]

I don’t remember that probably because no one made a movie or TV show about it...