Unpacking Israeli History Ma'alot Revisited: When Terrorists Came for the Children
Dec 30, 2025
Dive into the chilling recount of the 1974 Ma’alot school hostage massacre, exploring the stark realities of terrorism and its impact on children. Uncover the political turmoil of the era and the tension between leaders Golda Meir and Moshe Dayan during the crisis. Hear firsthand survivor accounts of fear, determination, and resilience. The aftermath reveals global Jewish reactions and a powerful spiritual call for community action. This haunting tale serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of life and the enduring spirit in the face of horror.
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A Recurrent National Crisis
- Ma'alot forces repeated questions about leadership, negotiation, and the value of children's lives during crises.
- Noam Weissman argues the episode links 1974 and 2025 as part of the same agonizing cycle of hostage politics.
The Terrorists' Nightly Rampage
- Three DFLP terrorists crossed from Lebanon, disguised as Israeli security, and began a killing spree that culminated at Ma'alot school.
- They first shot a van of Israeli Arabs, murdered a family in Ma'alot, then entered the school where students were bunking during an Independence Day trip.
Hostages Inside Nativ Meir
- About 100–115 religious high school students were bunking at Nativ Meir school when the terrorists seized 85 hostages.
- The captors herded them into a booby-trapped classroom and sent demands for prisoner releases with a 6 p.m. deadline.