The remarkable account of the famous hostage rescue at Entebbe, and its commander, Jonathan Netanyahu. Learn how this modern Joshua inspired not only Israel but the whole free world through the success of this operation . . . described by many as a miraculous mission of biblical proportions. • Relates perfectly with our own war on terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq • This is the only documented, firsthand account of the epic raid on Entebbe — includes many photos • Highlights the shared values of Israeli warriors like Yoni and freedom-loving American troops engaged with a vicious enemy
Wow! This book–no, this story–was incredible! I'd heard about the Entebbe before but had never read the story. I'm glad I decided to read it. All the planning and work that went into the rescue even before they knew if they would be allowed to attempt it showed the dedication of the people involved. And the fact that there were only a few days of planning showed just how well trained the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) was. It also told the amazing story of the commando unit's leader, Jonathan Netanyahu. The first part of the book was a little slower as it was the preparations for the rescue, but once I reached the actual operation, I had to set the book aside and wait until I had a good chunk of uninterrupted time to read.
There were a few places where whiteout was used, but only about four or five total. If you haven't read this book and you like reading daring rescues, the IDF, or anything like that, read it!
What a great book about an amazing, courageous man! Our world is in desperate need of men and women who will stand firmly for what is good and right and true, not giving into fear, brutality, or foolishness. Jonathan Netanyahu was one of those who chose to lay down his life for others in the face of cruel adversaries and overwhelming odds of disaster! Yoni was described as “…a combination of an extraordinary fighter and an intellectual…He seemed like a hero out of our ancient past”, “…the greatest fighter Israel has ever had”. He is an inspiration to those who are tired of being intimidated by evil!
This was a fantastic book about Yonatan "Yoni" Netanyahu written by his younger brother Iddo Netanyahu. He didn't go into Yoni's whole life story but provided a portrait of a man who was loved by his fellow soldiers, was a remarkable tactician, and who believed very much in what he does. He details, through interviews of Yoni's fellow soldiers, the effort that Yoni made in putting together the Entebbe hostage rescue from Palestinian and German terrorists. The doubt that the soldiers had that the raid would even be approved by the government always hung over their heads -- they always, to the last minute when they were taking off from Sharm el-Sheik in the Sinai, believed that the government would not go through with it. However, it was Yoni's confidence in his men and their plans (which were only drawn up about 72 hours earlier) that got government ministers to agree. Even though you know that Yoni dies at Entebbe (although, like many others I had erroneously believed that he had died well after the main part of the operation had been completed and that he was shot by the Ugandan soldier in the old terminal's control tower) it still hits you pretty hard when it happens. Here was a man -- like a hero from the biblical stories -- who comes out and does an amazing thing...and when it's done, his life is over. The next time I go to Israel I need to go and pay my respects to his grave. He truly was a hero.
While a really interesting book, the details bogged it down and I only managed to finish half of it. I wanted to get to the really interesting part, when they actually land in Entebbe but I just couldn't keep going. Maybe someday I'll pick it up again, but its just too much detail for me. The book could have been a lot shorter, and just as interesting. Definitely the definitive work on this event though!
What a book and what a story. I read this as a younger kid and this story became a Roman Empire to me. Tells such a brave story that I wish more people knew now. Picks up so quickly and piques interest well. Felt super informed after reading.