Leadership. Many of us talk about it. Some of us exercise it. We all need to learn more about it- not because we will all be leaders, but so that we can understand and recognize true leadership- and follow those who can help us reach new heights.
I have a list of my heroes. I’ve written about some of them. Today, I’ll share another one with you. One whose name you may not know (but should), but one whose actions I’ll bet you know. Yonatan Netanyahu.
Yoni was born in Israel and migrated (temporarily) to the United States and then returned home. He was infused with charisma, and knew that leadership was part of his mission in life. From an early age, when he led scouts. He graduated from Cheltenham High School (Philadelphia, PA) in 1964 as a soccer star. You might recognize that school- it’s where Mr. October graduated- that same year- as a football star. And, while Reggie Jackson hurt his knees and turned to baseball, Yoni left high school to return to Israel. The land he loved and cherished.
Where he led a crack unit to help disarm the salient Egyptian forces at the start of the 6 Day War (June 1967). Where he led another group to help stop the Syrian advance during the Yom Kipur War, six years later. During which action, he became injured- losing part of his mobility in his left elbow. And, still returned to the Army. To the crack “Unit” (think of “The Unit”, the TV show created by David Mamet and Shawn Ryan or Seal Team 6).
Yoni led the Unit on a daring rescue mission. Some 4000 km away from their base at Sharm El Sheikh (in the Sinai) to Entebbe. Where they rescued- completely and totally- every one of the Jewish hostages (whether Israeli or not) from the Air France flight bound for Paris from Tel Aviv that had been hijacked by Palestinian Terrorists. Yoni led the first group of 30, whose task was to exit the Hercules aircraft (the first of four such planes), kill the terrorists and any Ugandan troop blocking their way , free the hostages, and fly every one of them to Israel. Yoni was the only casualty.
Forget the movies you’ve seen- those dramas (Operation Thunderbolt, Raid on Entebbe, Assault on Entebbe, etc.) may tell a wonderful story. But, Jonathan Gruber and Ari Daniel Pinchot have brought us one of the best documentaries I have seen in a long time- weaving together the stories of the times and of Yoni. Using the words of Yoni himself, from collected letters he wrote home, to friends, to his family, and to the two women who clearly still love him- read aloud to perfection by Marton Csokas.
(Think about this folks. Yes, parents and siblings may save letters written to them. Wives and lovers may save them, too. But, who saves letters from friends? Only those who recognize that the letter writer is destined for greatness.)
You do so yourself a disservice to pass up this opportunity to learn about leadership, doubt (yes, leaders have doubts, too), duty, heroism, inner turmoil, and love. All real characteristics of leaders. Describing- but not glorifying- a leader. One from whom we can learn much. Catch “Follow Me” (which itself has captured more than a few awards)- in theaters around the US and the world now. Honor yourselves, Yoni, Marton, Jonathan, and Ari with this 84 minute opportunity.
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(By the way- ‘Follow Me’- that’s the mantra of Israeli military leaders. [The phrase began with Matisyahu Maccabee, during the revolt against the Romans.] Israeli military commanders lead the way and their troops follow. Just like we want all our leaders to show the way.)
I respect military leaders who get first in line — even if not for anything else, because of the respect they show to their troops by sharing danger & hardships with them.
Eleni Poulakou recently posted..A Writer’s Birthday
Great point, Eleni.
It’s how those Greek Wars were fought- with their commanders.
I would like to see this. I clicked on the link but only see 2011 dates? Perhaps it’s on Netflix. We find a lot of good documentaries there. Will look for it.
Carolina HeartStrings recently posted..PINEAPPLE-MANGO CHICKEN SALAD PITAS
I’m not sure when it’s coming to the Carolinas, Alessa- but the top dates are all when it opens in 2012. For example, it does show the Avalon in DC (actually Chevy Chase, MD), as a past date, but where it is playing now.
I love this, Roy! Thank you for sharing the story of Yoni. I love your blog for this reason…you never know what jewel you will offer us that is, like this, inspiring, or wonderful information!
I’m blushing, Lisa…
I just report ’em as I see ’em. I try to leave the embellishment to a certain network…
Roy
That story gave me the chills. Acts of heroism are few and far between. Thanks for the “rest of the story” Roy.
Ann recently posted..Creating a Powerful Marketing Message — 4th Step in Marketing Ball
I think one of my favorite quotes is an appropriate response, Ann…
It takes courage to overtake fear; fear is an emotion appropriate to perceived risk. Therefore, to exhibit courage, one must both perceive a risk AND proceed in spite of same.
There are many levels to leadership. Sometimes the best leaders are those that follow.
Nicole Bandes recently posted..Motivation – Your Daily Shower
Not sure I will agree with that, Nicole. Not that leaders sometimes don’t need to let others take the reins because their expertise is perfectly attuned to the task, but that’s not quite the same thing. The leader’s job is to set the tone and insure that the mission adheres to the vision. Once that is clear, others can effect tasks to insure it is done- including those things that the leader can’t do and will be steps (yards?) back from those effecting the action, but the leader still has the fore.
And, in battle- I would never want a leader to be taking the rear front. At the very least, the critical data about the battle will not be at his/her beck and call.
Roy
What about Victory at Entebbe, where Richard Dreyfuss played the role of Yoni N. Don’t ask me to forget about THAT one because I remember felling very inspired by it -and felt so good when Idi Amin looked ridiculous. I will certainly watch Follow Me (and compare).
I saw them all, Gustavo. And, this was the first time that the concept of leadership truly shone through…
Roy
Looks like a good and interesting watch (not to mention plenty of life lessons). Thanks Roy. Enjoyed this read.
Ruth Crone recently posted..Sunday Success Summary: top 3 articles this week
Glad you found the concept a leader who still had doubts of interest, Ruth…
Thanks for the visit.
For a moment I thought you were writing about someone I knew when he was active on BizSugar. Yoni, from Israel, spent time in USA, returned to Israel, very inspiring person – but a writer, not a fighter. 🙂
For someone who belongs to a family of soldiers, I am at awe upon reading Yoni’s stories. I would love to know more about his leadership.
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Thanks, Noelle, for your comment and visit. I am sure that the movie will be available in your area soon.