“To be abducted in Athens on an Air France plane makes sense,” Gonen said. “But to be abducted at home, in the State of Israel, it was too much.”

The recognition was awarded by the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, whose chairman is Chemi Peres, son of former prime minister Shimon Peres.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu memorializes his brother, Yoni Netanyahu, who was killed in a 1976 mission rescuing Israelis held hostage after a hijacked flight.

Fifty years later, Entebbe still symbolizes Israel's promise to protect Jews wherever they are.

“To be abducted in Athens on an Air France plane makes sense,” Gonen said. “But to be abducted at home, in the State of Israel, it was too much.”

Seemingly, Israel faced only two options: to surrender to terrorism, release terrorists, and ensure that more hijackings would follow; or to reject the ultimatum and launch a…

Fifty years after Israel’s daring hostage rescue in Uganda, the story of Mossad station chief Eli Engel reveals how his home became a secret command post, his Kenyan contacts…