Yonatan Netanyahu, often known as Yoni, was born on March 13, 1946 in New York City, NY. He was the older brother of Benjamin Netanyahu, who would later become the Prime Minister of Israel. Yoni spent his childhood in both the United States and Israel, as his family moved back to their homeland when he was young.
After graduating from Cheltenham High School in Pennsylvania in 1964, Yoni enlisted in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). He quickly rose through the ranks and eventually became the commander of the elite special forces unit Sayeret Matkal. Yoni was known for his exceptional leadership skills and bravery on the battlefield.
Yoni's most famous mission came during Operation Entebbe in Uganda. In 1976, a group of Palestinian and German terrorists hijacked an Air France flight and took its passengers hostage. The IDF launched a daring rescue mission to free the hostages, with Yoni leading the assault team. Tragically, he was the only Israeli soldier killed during the operation.
Yoni's sacrifice inspired the biographical film "Follow Me," which was released in 2012. His bravery and heroism are remembered to this day in Israel and around the world.
Yoni was married and divorced once, and at the time of his death, he was living with his girlfriend of two years. Despite his busy military career, he made time for his loved ones and was known for his kind and compassionate nature.
Author Herman Wouk reviewed Yoni's published personal letters, providing insight into his thoughts and experiences during his time in the army. Yoni's legacy lives on through the stories of his bravery and sacrifice, serving as a reminder of the impact one individual can have on the world.
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