I,
and Israeli youth, have the duty to defend this country. It is
a
great responsibility that has made us come of age prematurely:
people
from the Moshav, the city and the Kibbutz who are united by something
stronger than political affiliation. They are united by a feeling
of
brotherhood, mutual responsibility, recognition of the value of
human
life, a strong and sincere yearning for peace but at the same
time a
willingness to stand up to any challenge.
-
Lt. Col. Yonatan Netanyahu - Yoni, who fell during
the successful battle to release the Entebbe hostages.
Excerpts from the speech of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon
delivered today (Monday), 2.7.2001, at the State Ceremony marking
25
years since "Operation Yonatan" (the Entebbe raid).
This
July 4, will be the 25th anniversary of the raid by Israeli commandos
to rescue 105 Jews and Israelis who were being held hostage by
Palestinian terrorists at Entebbe airport.