Memorial to Jonathan Netanyahu Unveiled in Entebbe 50 Years After His Death

A memorial honoring Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan "Yoni" Netanyahu was unveiled at the old terminal of Entebbe Airport in Uganda on Saturday, marking 50 years since his death during the historic 1976 rescue operation. The ceremony took place at the historic site with the presence of Uganda's military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni. General Kainerugaba described the memorial as a symbol of enduring friendship, security partnership, and mutual trust between Uganda and Israel.

The Ugandan military chief praised Netanyahu's leadership and supreme sacrifice during the July 4, 1976 raid, calling it a lasting emblem of courage, duty, and selfless service. He emphasized that the memorial represents not only one soldier but also the values of bravery in the face of danger, commitment to protecting innocent lives, and total dedication to duty. "Memorials are more than stone and bronze; they preserve memory, teach history, and inspire future generations," he said.

General Kainerugaba also commemorated the hostages killed during the Air France hijacking, including Jean-Jacques Mimouni from Netanya, Dr. Pesco Cohen from Haifa, Ida Boruchovitz from Tel Aviv, and Dora Bloch, alongside Ugandan soldiers who died that day. He acknowledged that Idi Amin's regime was a brutal dictatorship unrepresentative of the Ugandan people, contrasting it with today's constitutional democracy committed to international cooperation.

The general highlighted the longstanding good relations between Uganda and Israel, based on mutual respect and practical cooperation, and pledged to deepen bilateral ties. Israeli resident Barak Orland, considered an unofficial Israeli representative in Uganda, also attended the event, describing the memorial as a testament to two nations standing shoulder to shoulder for future generations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently revealed why he and his wife Sarah did not name their children after Yoni Netanyahu, adding a personal dimension to the commemoration.