Ma’alot
Ma’alot
Initially an immigrant town founded in 1957, Ma’alot is today beginning to
grow roots. Over 4,000 people live there today and it is the home of many
industries. Unfortunately, things haven’t always been easy in the pleasant
northern city. In 1974 tragedy stuck this small development town.
On May 15th, 1974 a group of 11th graders from Tsfat were on a field trip to
the Golan. After hjiking a whole day, the children slept on the floor of a
school in Ma’alot. A guard was posted outside but during the night he was
overpowered and killed by three Arab terrorists, disguised in Israeli
uniforms. The terrorists took control of the building and total chaos broke
out. Some of the children were killed on the spot, but others escaped by
jumping out of a window on the second floor.
By morning the terrorists presented their demands: release Arab terrorists
from Israeli prisons, or they will start to kill the children. The deadline was
6:00 p.m.
An emergency meeting of the Knesset was called. Israel’s policy was not to
negotiate with terrorists but innocent children were now involved and clearly
something had to be done.
At 3:00pm a decision was reached. The Israelis were willing to negotiate, but
they needed more time. This request was refused by the terrorists.
At 5:45pm a crack unit of the elite Golani brigade stormed the building
killing all the terrorists but not before the terrorists killed 21 children, may
their memories be blessed.