116 Every summer they attended: Lieblich, Yaldei Kfar Etzion, 261–68.
118 The symbol of that restoration: Haim Hefer, “Hatzanhanim Bokhim” (The Paratroopers Weep), Bamahaneh, June 12, 1967.
122 Hanan read a poetic account: Hanan Porat, Et Ahai Anokhi Mevakesh (I Seek My Brothers; Jerusalem: Sifriyat Beit-El, 1992), 13.
122 A dozen friends: Ben-Yaakov, Gush Etzion, 327.
125 “Before we speak about the moral questions”: Shdemot 29 (Summer 1968): 15–27.
CHAPTER 9: THE KIBBUTZNIKS COME HOME
132 “the metals got switched”: Tamar Ze’evi, “Shuli Nas’ah Tfila, Hatzanhan Ariel Higshimah” (Shuli Sent Forth a Prayer, the Paratrooper Ariel Answered It), Ha’aretz, June 25, 1967.
132 Her conversation with Meir: Ibid.
133 “We wish Meir success”: Niv Mishmarot 428, July 7, 1967.
135 one, about a soldier returning: David Atid (lyrics) and Yair Rosenblum (music), “Hayiti Na’ar”(I Was a Boy), http://shironet.mako.co.il/artist?type=lyrics&lang=1&prfid=281&wrkid=1089.
135 “After urgent consultations with my wife”: “Ha’ish Shehafakh Zahav Lebarzel” (The Man Who Turned Gold Into Iron), La’ishah, December 19, 1967.
136 “red Czars”: Alon Ein Shemer, June 23, 1967.
139 Uri wanted to ask his son: Author’s interview with Uri Adiv.
CHAPTER 10: THE CHILDREN RETURN TO THEIR BORDERS
143 “What do you want, kinderlach?”: Author’s interview with Hanan Porat. Slightly different versions of this meeting appear in several books: Lieblich, Yaldei Kfar Etzion, 388; Gershon Shafat, Gush Emunim (Jerusalem: Sifriyat Beit El, 1995), 27; Gershom Gorenberg, The Accidental Empire (New York: Henry Holt, 2006), 112–13; Haggai Huberman, Keneged Kol Hasikuyim (Against All Odds; n.p.: Sifriyat Netzarim, 2008), 28–29.
143 On September 27, 1967: Ben-Yaakov, Gush Etzion, 329–30; Lieblich, Yaldei Kfar Etzion, 392–93.
144 “Today we have removed the disgrace”: Hatzofeh, September 28, 1967; Gorenberg, The Accidental Empire, 117.
145 One group of interviewees: The missing text was published by Shdemot, Siah Lohamim Biyshivat HaRav Kook (Soldiers’ Talk in the Rav Kook Yeshiva), no. 29 (Spring 1968): 15–28.
147 The first rains: Ben-Yaakov, Gush Etzion, 330–32.
148 Letters of gratitude: Kfar Etzion archives.
150 “History is returning”: Kfar Etzion archives.
151 “Is this where those crazy people came”: Haggai Segal, Ahim Yekarim (Dear Brothers; Jerusalem: Keter, 1987), 21–22.
152 Novelist Moshe Shamir: Ibid., 22.
155 “Okay childhood”: Meir Ariel, Yerushalayim Shel Barzel, record, Hed Artzi, 1967.
CHAPTER 11: ATTRITION
163 Another neighbor eavesdropping: Omri Asenheim, “Ad Hakatzeh” (To the Limit), Ma’ariv, December 24, 2004.
CHAPTER 12: THE INVENTION OF YISRAEL HAREL
186 Yisrael wrote an essay: Yisrael Harel, “Hatvusah Bamilhamah al Hayehudim,” (The Defeat in the War for the Jews), Ha’aretz, September 5, 1967.
187 “A man, a lover”: Natan Alterman, “Beod Erev Yored” (As Evening Falls), in Arbaim Shirim (Forty Poems; Bnei Brak: Hakibbutz Hameuhad, 1970), 65, translated by the author.
187 “There are those more beautiful”: “Nishbati, Eynai” (I Swore, My Eyes), in Alterman, Arbaim Shirim, 5, translated by the author.
189 Yisrael wrote about: Yisrael Harel, “Banim Shavim Ligvulam” (Sons Return to Their Borders), Zot Ha’aretz, April 26, 1968.
189 In Café Casit: Batya Carmiel, Batei Café Shel Tel Aviv, 1920–1980 (The Cafes of Tel Aviv, 1920–1980; Eretz Yisrael Museum and Yad Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, 2007), 231–56; Meir Suissa, director, Kol Anshei Casit (Casit—Not Just a Cafe), 2010.
CHAPTER 14: ACROSS THE BORDER
208 Daoud was a self-taught political theorist: Yitzhak Rubin, director and producer, Udi Adiv–Daoud Turki, 2001.
209 Chinese-style cultural revolution: Eitan Haber and Yossi Melman, Hameraglim (The Spies; Tel Aviv: Yediot Aharonot, 2002), 169.
210 “Are you going to meet”: Ibid., 176.
211 Udi’s Syrian passport: Ibid., 177.
212 “We have many enemies”: Ibid., 177.
212 In the quarter’s police station: Ibid., 178.
212 Write about your life: Ibid., 178–79.
214 He described his trip to Syria: Ibid., 187.
215 Hashomer Hatzair leader Yaakov Hazan: Al Hamishmar, December 17, 1972.
216 Uri tried to meet with Hazan: Ze’ev Zahor, Hazan—Tnuat Hayim (Hazan—A Biography; Jerusalem: Yad Ben Zvi, 1997), 246.
216 “Off they went”: Haber and Melman, Hameraglim, 188.
217 “Did you serve”: David Zohar and Yosef Wachsman, “Hashofet LeDan Vered: ‘Tireh Eikh She’ata Mistabekh’ . . . Adiv: ‘Hitkavanti Lemahapekhat Hamonim—Lo Leteror’ ” (The Judge to Dan Vered: “Look How Much Trouble You’re Getting Into” . . . “Adiv: I Meant a Revolution of the Masses—Not Terrorism,’ ” Ma’ariv, March 6, 1973; Mordechai Ben-Tal, Meir Shoshani, and Aryeh Meir, “ ‘Yesh Lehapil Hamishtar Hatzioni’ ” (“The Zionist Regime Must Be Overthrown”), Davar, March 6, 1973.
218 “Do you know what people say”: David Zohar and Yosef Wachsman, “ ‘Od Pesha Tzioni’—Hegivu Hane’eshamim al Hapalat Hamatos” (“One More Zionist Crime,” Said the Defendants About the Downing of the Plane), Ma’ariv, February 27, 1973.
219 “I feel I’m going to prison”: Meir Shoshani and Aryeh Meir, “Turki veAdiv Le’ 17 Shnot Ma’asar” (Turki and Adiv Given 17 Years in Prison), Davar, March 27, 1973.
CHAPTER 15: BRAVE-HEARTED MEN
229 reservists in the 55th Brigade: the 55th Brigade was now known as the 247th Brigade. The brigade’s battalions also changed their numbers: the 28th became the 416th, the 66th became the 564th, and the 71st became the 565th. For the sake of clarity in this narrative, the old numbers have been kept. (In 2010, the original numbers of the brigade and its battalions were reinstated.)
235 “Don’t worry, I’m being careful”: Talma Aligon-Roz (lyrics) and Kobi Oshrat (music), “Ein Lakh Mah Lidog” (You Have Nothing to Worry About), http://shironet.mako.co.il/artist?type=lyrics&lang=1&prfid=780&wrkid=4450.
237 But how would they get to the canal?: In 1970 Arik had founded a reconnaissance battalion, the first in the IDF, that concentrated the 55th Brigade’s elite scouts units. The battalion, commanded by Arik, became a model for other IDF infantry brigades. The reconnaissance battalion was supposed to lead the crossing of the canal, but lacked sufficient vehicles to reach it.
237 commander of the 71st Battalion: Abraham Rabinovich, The Yom Kippur War: The Epic Encounter That Transformed the Middle East (New York: Schocken, 2004), 404; Yisrael Harel, ed., Abirei Lev (Brave-Hearted Men, Keren Hatzanhanim, n.p., n.d.), 42.
240 assault on the so-called Chinese Farm: In the first night of the operation in the Chinese Farm, the 14th Armored Brigade, under the command of Amnon Reshef, lost 120 soldiers. Another 62 were wounded. No IDF brigade had ever suffered such losses in so short a time. The following night, the 890th Brigade, the paratroopers’ brigade of draftees, lost 41 soldiers and over 100 wounded.
240 “My guys are fighting there”: Rabinovich, The Yom Kippur War, 362; unpublished account written by Hanan Erez.
241 The first six boats: Harel, Abirei Lev , 32.
242 Arik radioed Danny: Ibid., 32.
244 “God’s Little Corner”: Ibid, 36.
246 It was the eve of Simchat Torah: Harel, Abirei Lev, 45.
CHAPTER 16: “OUR FORCES PASSED A QUIET NIGHT IN SUEZ”
264 “An Invitation to Weeping”: Igeret, November 20, 1973.
266 “Be a friend to me”: Yoram Taharlev (lyrics) and Yair Rosenblum (music), “Heyeh Li Haver, Heyeh Li Ah” (Be My Friend, Be My Brother), http://www.taharlev.com/songs_selection_song.asp?id=77.
267 A winter night: Shafat, Gush Emunim, 27–33.
268 On a freezing windy morning: Motti Ashkenazi, with Baruch Nevo and Nurit As
hkenazi, Ha’erev Beshesh Tifrotz Milhamah (War Will Break Out This Evening at Six; Bnei Brak: Hakibbutz Hameuhad, 2003), 151–63.
269 Yisrael Harel was organizing a “university”: Harel, Abirei Lev, 74.
270 The next day: Ibid., 74, 76.
270 “We, the paratroopers’ brigade”: Ibid., preface.
CHAPTER 17: THE HOME FRONT
272 thousands of demonstrators: Ashkenazi, Ha’erev Beshesh Tifrotz Milhamah, 194.
273 He awoke before dawn: text of manifesto in Shafat, Gush Emunim, appendix; Gorenberg, Accidental Empire, 267.
274 “Eight princes of men”: Elyashiv Reichner, Be’emunato: Sipuro Shel Harav Yehudah Amital (In His Faith: The Story of Rabbi Yehudah Amital; Tel Aviv: Yediot Aharonot, 2008), 82.
275 If a nuclear war were to happen: Rabbi Yehudah Amital, Hama’alot Mima’amakim (Ascent from the Depths; Jerusalem-Alon Shvut: Agudat Yeshivat Har Etzion, 1974), 37.
280 The activists had sent: Shafat, Gush Emunim, 65.
280 They came to a field of grass: Ibid., 67.
281 Sharon, friends with Rabin: Gorenberg, Accidental Empire, 284.
282 He approached Rabbi Zvi Yehudah: Shafat, Gush Emunim, 68.
282 General Yona Efrat: Segal, Ahim Yekarim, 29.
282 One by one the squatters: Ibid., 29; Gorenberg, Accidental Empire, 285.
CHAPTER 18: “END OF THE ORANGE SEASON”
288 One autumn night: Shafat, Gush Emunim, 113.
289 “satisfy their passion”: Rachel Katznelson Shazar, ed., The Plough Woman: Memoirs of the Pioneer Women of Palestine, trans. Maurice Samuel (New York: Herzl Press, 1975), 137–38.
290 “Why don’t you establish”: Shafat, Gush Emunim, 159; Segal, Ahim Yekarim, 34; Gorenberg, The Accidental Empire, 306.
292 On Passover eve: Liron Negler-Cohen, “Ve’abba Hozer Veomer: Meir Ariel Shelo Hikartem” (And Dad Says It Again: The Unknown Meir Ariel), Ynet, September 15, 2011.
293 “Look, Shimon”: Shafat, Gush Emunim, 160; Segal, Ahim Yekarim, 34–35.
294 Supporters appeared with spring beds: Shafat, Gush Emunim, 160.
295 As he approached Ramle Prison: Marcus Klingberg with Michael Sfard, Hameragel Ha’aharon (The Last Spy; Tel Aviv: Sifriyat Ma’ariv, 2007), 241–42.
296 During one evacuation: Shafat, Gush Emunim, 153.
297 quoted the book of the Macabees: 1 Macabees, 15:34.
298 The morning of November 30: Shafat, Gush Emunim, 181–87.
300 Sympathetic kibbutzniks brought an oak: Ibid., 193.
300 Young people danced: Ibid., 199–200, 217–18; Segal, Ahim Yekarim, 33; Gorenberg, The Accidental Empire, 334–35.
306 Teach me Torah: Meir Ariel, Brakhot Vehespedim (Blessings and Eulogies; Pardes Hanna-Karkur: Ariel Hafakot, 2005), 66–67.
309 “And so, Avital”: Eli Alon, “Avital Kemutzag Muzeoni” (Avital as a Museum Item), Hashavuah Bakibbutz Ha’artzi, May 23, 1975, 14–15.
311 Hanan Porat spoke: Yehoshu’a Bitsur, “‘Ofra El Pritsat Derekh’ Ne’emar Behagigat Yom Hahuledet” (‘Ofra Toward a Breakthrough,’ It Was Said at Its Birthday Celebration), Ma’ariv, May 10, 1976.
311 “Across from the entrance to Ofra”: Yigal Lev, “Hashorashim Shel Ofra” (The Roots of Ofra), Ma’ariv, May 21, 1976.
CHAPTER 19: A NEW ISRAEL
319 the Likud—“not more and not less”: Israel Television, May 17, 1977.
320 “If this is the people’s decision”: Israel Television, May 18, 1977, interviewed by Yaakov Achimeir.
322 “Several weeks have passed”: Avital Geva, “Le’an Lehafnot et Hatotahim?” (Where Should the Cannons Be Aimed?), Alon Ein Shemer, July 8, 1977.
322 Begin invited Hanan: Shafat, Gush Emunim, 318–19.
323 “Aha, here you are!”: Yehuda Avner, “Bygone Days: The Night Sadat Came,” Jerusalem Post, November 17, 2007.
324 “In all sincerity”: Statement to the Knesset by President Sadat, November 20, 1977, Knesset website, www.knesset.gov.il/process/docs/sadatspeech_eng.htm.
324 “It must go on”: Israel Television, November 21, 1977.
325 “I was born into the dream”: Uzi Hitman, “Noladti Lashalom” (I Was Born for Peace), http://shironet.mako.co.il/artist?type=lyrics&lang=1&prfid=778&wrkid=2282.
326 On Saturday afternoon, April 1, 1978: Helga Dudman, “Politics and Manners,” Jerusalem Post, April 5, 1978.
329 “I prefer to be called by my name”: Smadar Shir, “Bob Dylan HaYisraeli” (The Israeli Bob Dylan), Ma’ariv, May 3, 1979, 40.
332 On a hot July afternoon: Yosef Tsuriel, “Mizbe’ah Verashei Egel Behafganat Omanim BeHevron” (An Altar and Calves’ Heads at Artists’ Demonstration in Hebron), Ma’ariv, July 11, 1979; “Hashalom Zakuk Lelohamim” (Peace Needs Fighters), Alon Ein Shemer, July 13, 1979; author’s interview with Yuval Danieli.
335 “500 Against 350,000”: Avi Rosenfeld, “500 Mul 350,000” (500 Against 350,0000), Nekudah, December 28, 1979.
335 “The key to defending Ashkelon”: “Sharon: Nakim Kehilah Yehudit Hazakah Birtzu’at Aza” (Sharon: We’ll Establish a Strong Jewish Community in the Gaza Strip), Nekudah, January 11, 1980.
339 Shabbtai Ben-Dov: Segal, Ahim Yekarim, 43–45.
340 Underground members stole explosives: Segal, Ahim Yekarim, 117–19; Etzion, interview.
343 “A query: To Whom?”: Shlomo Burlass, “She’iltah” (A Query), Alon Ein Shemer, February 27, 1981.
344 “I see this as a personal affront”: Avital Geva, “Ha’im Yukam Haheikhal Al Horvot Gan Hayerek” (Will the Sports Center Be Built on the Ruins of the Green Garden?), Alon Ein Shemer, January 9, 1981.
CHAPTER 20: BUILDING DIFFERENT ISRAELS
349 “They ask me, ‘Why do you work late’ ”: Avi Valentin, “Hagvul Hem Hashamayim” (The Limit Is the Sky), Ha’aretz, October 30, 1981.
351 There can be no settlement without land: “Glalei Izim Vehashe’elah Hayehudit (Goat Droppings and the Jewish Question), Nekudah, February 22, 1980; “Bimkom Ma’amar Rashi” (Instead of an Editorial), Nekudah, March 21, 1980; “Bimkom Ma’amar Rashi—Shvitat Hara’av” (Instead of an Editorial–The Hunger Strike), Nekudah, May 16, 1980.
353 “Stop this hunger strike”: Harel, interview; Shafat, Gush Emunim, 352–53.
355 “It happened after prayers”: Segal, Ahim Yekarim, 70–71.
356 “It isn’t reasonable that Jewish hands”: “Bimkom Ma’amar Rashi—Ha’ikvot Molikhim El Vaitzman” (Instead of an Editorial: The Trail Leads to Weizman), Nekudah, June 13, 1980.
356 “Who Harmed Coexistence?”: Nekudah, June 13, 1980.
358 The stage was set: “Hahlatot Ve’idat Moetzet Hayishuv” (Decisions of the Conference of the Settlement Council), Nekudah, January 9,1980, 4.
359 “Any foreign administration will necessarily”: Ibid.
CHAPTER 21: HURBAN
361 It was an early summer evening in 1981: Yossi Klein, “Journeys Into the New Israel,” Village Voice, October 26, 1982, 22–26.
363 “I had never heard the word ‘chah-chahim’”: M. N. P. Michelson, “‘Ish Lo Paga Be’edot Hamizrah Kmo Hama’arakh’ ” (No One Hurt the Mizrahim as Much as the Labor Party), Yediot Aharonot, June 29, 1981.
364 “some American millionaire”: “Se’arah Be’ikvot Divrei Begin Al Hakibbutznik Hamitnaheg Kemillyoner” (Storm Over Begin’s Comments About the Kibbutznik Acting Like a Millionaire), Yediot Aharonot, October 1, 1981.
364 Yes, Mr. Begin: No author cited, Anashim Veshorashim—Sipuro Shel Kibbutz (People and Roots—The Story of a Kibbutz; Tel Aviv: Photo Opest Omanim Meuchadim, n.d.).
370 Thousands of mourners: Aviner, Rabenu, 310–11.
373 “We must not injure”: Segal, Ahim Yekarim, 127, 130.
373 “In another few weeks”: Aliza Weisman, Hapinui (The Evacuation, Jerusalem: Sifriyat Beit El, 1990), 236.
374 A crowd gathered at a roadblock: Ibid., 267; Haggai Segal, Yamit, Sof (Yamit, The End; Jerusalem: Sifriyat Beit El, 1999), 249.
374 A song by Naomi Sh
emer: “Al Kol Eleh” (For All These), http://shironet.mako.co.il/artist?type=lyrics&lang=1&prfid=738&wrkid=4052.
375 “Following the first day of Passover”: Segal, Yamit, Sof, 87.
375 Students from Yamit’s military yeshiva: Ya’akov Ariel, “Yoman Yamit” (Yamit Diary), Nekudah, April 5, 1985.
377 Ten activists from a far-right fringe group: Weisman, Hapinui, 337; Segal, Yamit, Sof, 18, 113–14.
377 “The evacuation has begun”: Weisman, Hapinui, 346.
378 General Chaim Erez: Ibid., 325.
378 The last to be evacuated: Segal, Yamit, Sof, 114.
379 “I believe that the sacrifice: Ibid., 234
379 “Don’t start up again”: Segal, Ahim Yekarim, 135.
379 Ezekiel’s vision: Ezekiel, 37:1–14.
379 Hanan read aloud a list: Ibid., 135.
CHAPTER 22: THE FORTY-FIRST KILOMETER
388 “We Don’t Want to Die in Beirut”: Yehudah Kaveh, script and director, Tkumah (Resurrection) (16)—Sedek Babayit (Schism at Home), editor and producer of the series Gideon Drori.
390 One Phalangist in spiked shoes: Ze’ev Schiff and Ehud Ya’ari, Israel’s Lebanon War, trans. Ina Friedman (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1984), 264.
391 Hours before the rally began: Michal Yudelman, “400,000 Rally to Denounce Gov’t,” Jerusalem Post, September 26, 1982; Yosef Valter and Yitzhak Ben-Horin, “Me’ot Alfei Mafginim Tavu Hakira Rishmit, Yetziat Tzahal Milvanon, Piturei Begin VeSharon” (Hundreds of Thousands of Demonstrators Demanded a Commission of Inquiry, the IDF’s Withdrawal from Lebanon, the Resignation of Begin and Sharon), Ma’ariv, September 26, 1982.
392 Ten Days of Penitence: Reichner, Be’emunato, 154–55.
395 he had summoned this unusual meeting: Hanan Porat, “Hapulmus Im Harav Amital Al Eretz Yisrael” (The Debate with Rabbi Amital Over the Land of Israel), Nekudah, August 28, 1983; Yehudah Amital, “Bemilkud Hashlemut” (In the Trap of Wholeness), Nekudah, December 24, 1982; Yoel Bin-Nun, “E Efshar Lerabe’a et Hama’agal (It’s Impossible to Square the Circle), Nekudah, January 14, 1983; Porat, Et Ahai Anokhi Mevakesh, 93–97; Reichner, Be’emunato, 158–59.
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