Natan Sharansky Reaches IsraelCIE+
World-famous Soviet refusenik Anatoly Shcharansky is released after eight years in a Siberian labor camp and flies to his new life as Natan Sharansky in Israel.
TWA Flight 847 HijackedCIE+
June 14, 1985 Two Lebanese Shiite terrorists armed with grenades and handguns hijack TWA Flight 847, a 727 traveling from Cairo to San Diego with scheduled stops in Athens, Rome, Boston and Los Angeles, shortly…
President Reagan Visits Bergen-Belsen and Bitburg CemeteryCIE+
The President, seeking reconciliation with Europe, angers Jewish leaders in the US and Israel with his planned visit to a Nazi military cemetery.
Activist Abie Nathan Brings Relief to EthiopiaCIE+
December 16, 1984 Israeli humanitarian and peace activist Abie Nathan arrives in famine-struck Ethiopia with a plane full of relief supplies donated by Jews worldwide. The $300,000 shipment includes equipment to build a refugee camp…
Israelis Participate in Conference With Moroccan JewsCIE+
In 1984, there were approximately 20,000 Jews in Morocco. Both Israelis and Arabs were suspicious of the May 13-14 Conference on the Jewish Communities of Morocco which was held in Rabat.
Abu Musa Declares a Palestinian Revolt Against ArafatCIE+
Palestinian militant factions unsuccessfully challenge Arafat’s control during the First Lebanon War.
Multinational Force Arrives in Beirut to Oversee PLO EvacuationCIE+
American, French, and Italian troops supervise the evacuation of around 15,000 PLO forces from Lebanon’s capital. Terrorists and Syrian forces leaving Beirut are one of Israel’s principal goals during the 1982 Lebanon War.
Palestinian Terrorists Attack Jewish Restaurant in ParisCIE+
Chez Jo Goldberg, a Jewish deli in Paris, is attacked by two terrorists wielding grenades and machine guns. Six people are killed and twenty-two injured. The attack is believed to have been planned and carried out by the Abu Nidal Organization, an international Palestinian terrorist group.
Sinai Is Returned to EgyptCIE+
As stipulated in the 1979 peace agreement between the two countries, Israel completes its evacuation of Sinai and returns the peninsula to Egypt.
Knesset Votes in Favor of Golan Heights LawCIE+
In a quickly organized and somewhat surprising move, the Knesset votes to annex the Golan Heights by a vote of 63-21.
Moshe Dayan Dies at 66CIE+
Moshe Dayan, Israel’s iconic military and political leader, passes away from a heart attack in a Tel Aviv hospital at the age of 66.
Ronald Reagan Arms Saudi ArabiaCIE+
President Ronald Reagan announces a plan to sell military aircraft to Saudi Arabia.
Israel Destroys Iraq’s Nuclear Reactor
June 7, 1981 Eight Israeli F-16s fly a 2,000-mile round trip to bomb Iraq’s Osirak plutonium nuclear reactor at the Tammuz I complex 10 miles south of Baghdad. The mission, Operation Opera, succeeds at destroying…
Israel Passes Basic Law on Jerusalem
In 1950, the Knesset passes a law that states, “Whereas with establishment of the state of Israel, Jerusalem once more becomes the capital.” In 1980, the Knesset elevates the law to a Basic Law, giving the political status of Jerusalem increased legislative weight.
Foreign Minister Says Saudis Could Recognize IsraelCIE+
After Egyptian President Anwar Sadat’s diplomatic opening with Israel, almost all Arab states publicly criticized his engagement with Jerusalem.
Iran Executes Jewish Leader Habib ElghanianCIE+
Following a show trial lasting only twenty minutes, Habib Elghanian was executed by firing squad.
Prisoners of Zion Arrive in IsraelCIE+
At Ben-Gurion Airport, five recently released Soviet Jewish prisoners are welcomed by Prime Minister Menachem Begin and cheering crowds. The five had been convicted in a 1970 hijacking plot, attempting to escape the anti-Semitic policies of the Soviet Union at the time.
Menachem Begin Is First Israeli PM to Visit Arab CapitalCIE+
As a follow-up to the peace treaty with Egypt, Menachem Begin becomes the first Israeli prime minister to visit an Arab capital.
Israel’s “Hallelujah” Wins Eurovision Song ContestCIE+
The 1979 Eurovision Song Contest, an annual competition between member countries of the European Broadcasting Union, is held in Jerusalem.
Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty Is SignedCIE+
Sixteen months after Egyptian President Anwar Sadat’s historic visit to Jerusalem and Knesset address, the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty is signed at the White House in Washington.
Khomeini Returns to IranCIE+
After 15 years in exile, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returns to Iran, two weeks after the Shah of Iran flees the country.
U.S. Sympathizes With Israel’s Fear of Palestinian StateCIE+
After Egyptian President Sadat’s historic visit to Jerusalem in November 1977, the United States seeks to move negotiations closer to an agreement between Israel and Egypt.
Carter Proposes Aircraft Sale to SaudisCIE+
February 14, 1978 President Jimmy Carter announces a plan to sell advanced fighter jets to Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Coming three months after Egyptian President Anwar Sadat’s visit to Israel, the proposal draws swift…
Sadat Arrives in JerusalemCIE+
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat lands in Israel for a historic 36-hour visit, most of it spent in Jerusalem.
