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The raid on Entebbe: A Daring and Miraculous Hostage Rescue
Irene Petrakis, ICEJ Australia
As we continue to marvel at Israel’s ability to degrade Iran’s nuclear and ballistic weapons capabilities, and of its intelligence services to operate within Iran with such ease, we also reflect on the broader legacy of the Israeli military and its history of daring operations. Fittingly, July 4 marks the anniversary of the Raid on Entebbe (Operation Thunderbolt), a heroic and near impossible rescue mission carried out by the elite Israeli commando unit Sayeret Matkal in 1976.
The raid was in response to the hijacking of an Air France plane flying from Israel to Paris, which had stopped over in Athens. Over 100 hostages, mostly Israeli and Jewish passengers, were taken. The hijackers, which consisted of Palestinian and German terrorists, diverted the plane to Entebbe in Uganda. Once on the ground, they were aided by the Ugandan government, then under the brutal dictatorship of Idi Amin. Upon arrival, the terrorists separated the Jewish hostages from the non-Jews and released the latter. This served as a chilling reminder of the Nazi selection process for the Holocaust survivors among the captives.
The hijackers demanded the release of 53 terrorists held in Israeli prisons and threatened to begin executing hostages if their demands were not met. But in a post-Holocaust world, Israel was determined not to capitulate; instead, it would act to protect its citizens and send a clear message to the world that “never again” was not just a slogan. As then Defence Minister (later Prime Minister and President) Shimon Peres said, “If we give in to the hijackers’ demands and release terrorists, everyone will understand us, but no one will respect us… If, on the other hand, we conduct a military operation to free hostages, it is possible that no one will understand us – but everyone will respect us.”
The IDF launched a daring rescue mission, flying covertly over Uganda, storming the terminal, killing the hijackers, and rescuing 102 hostages. To approach the terminal unhindered, the commandos famously used a black Mercedes intended to mimic Idi Amin’s official state vehicle. However, it is believed that Amin had recently switched to a white Mercedes, which Ugandan soldiers picked up on, prompting a firefight as the Israelis approached the terminal. Despite this, the mission was an overall success. Tragically, three hostages were killed during the operation, and a fourth – Dora Bloch – was later murdered by Ugandan forces.
The raid was led by Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu, the older brother of current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Yoni was the only Israeli soldier killed in the operation and is remembered as a national hero. His final words, “Follow me”, and the immense courage he displayed have inspired generations of Israelis and people around the world. His legacy continues to embody the ingenuity and bravery of Israeli Defence Forces, mirrored today in the precise and daring actions against Iran, as well as the ongoing war in Gaza, which has similarly included remarkable raids to release hostages. We also remember that 50 hostages remain in Gaza today since being taken captive by Hamas on October 7, and we continue to pray for their imminent return home.
Yoni’s story also speaks to all that the Netanyahu family have given and sacrificed for Israel – from the intellectual contributions of their father, Benzion Netanyahu, a renowned historian and Zionist activist, to Yoni’s heroism, to PM Netanyahu’s bold leadership today.
Ultimately, by taking action against Iran’s nuclear program – with critical support from the US – Israel has sent a message to Iran and the world that echoes Entebbe: Israel will never again allow the nations to harm its people. More profoundly, it stands as a testament to God’s continued provision and protection for Israel, and to God’s faithfulness to His covenant with them. Both in Entebbe and Iran, the ultimate outcome echoed what we read in Genesis: 12:3, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse”, and Esther 9:1, “…On the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them”. In other words, those who seek to destroy the Jewish people ultimately bring damage on themselves.
Colonel John Henry Patterson: A Testament To The Bond Between Christian Zionism And Israel
An interesting fact about Yoni was that he was named after Colonel John Henry Patterson, a Christian Zionist and British army officer who during World War I commanded the first Jewish fighting force since the Bar Kokhba revolt, notably supporting the Allied campaign in Gallipoli. Colonel Patterson later co-founded the Jewish Legion alongside Ze’ev Jabotinsky, which served as the foundation for the IDF years later. This earned Colonel Patterson the moniker “Godfather of the IDF”. Colonel Patterson later became a close friend of the Netanyahu family and even attended Yoni’s circumcision, considering him his godson.
This story stands as a testament to the powerful alliance between Christian Zionism and the Jewish state, and what can be achieved when Christians and Jewish people stand together. As Israel faces the Iranian challenge, we would do well to remember the story of Colonel Patterson as a model for how we should likewise respond today. We are also deeply grateful for the years of faith-driven diplomacy by the Christian Zionist movement, which has inspired similar morally courageous stances in support of Israel. In authorising the strike on Iran’s underground nuclear facilities, the US administration has exemplified that very courage. We pray that other nations, including our own, will follow this example – one that earns global respect and the blessings of God (Genesis 12:3).
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