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Opinion

From prisoner to peacemaker

October 31, 2011 11:36
3 min read

In June 1966, at Cape Town University, Robert Kennedy uttered his now famous words: "Each time a man stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope… those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."

Exactly 26 years later, soon after Israel's invasion of Lebanon, my cousin, Captain Aharon Achiaz was shot down while piloting his A4 Skyhawk. Whether he knew it or not, he'd begun a ripple of his own.

Hit by an anti-aircraft missile, he managed to parachute into a field in a small Lebanese village. He was immediately surrounded by an angry mob of farmers who kicked and beat him. Some had prepared a noose and were ready to lynch him on the spot. Aharon maintained composure and impressed upon them that he was a pilot, a valuable prize. As the farmers grew more restless, a jeep carrying PLO officers raced to the field. Aharon was whisked away, safe for the moment, but now in the direct hands of the enemy.

Captured Israelis were not treated well, as demonstrated by images of Palestinian guerillas parading the body of a dead Israeli helicopter pilot through the streets. The dead soldier was pinned in the car boot, his legs dragging on the ground, while a young Palestinian sat happily on top holding the soldier's helmet and giving the V-for-victory sign.