On the night before Shavuot, 1981, Prime Minister Menachem Begin shocked his cabinet by announcing they would be launching a surprise attack on a nuclear reactor in Iraq, known as Osirak. It was a gamble, one that most people in the outside world, not to mention in Israel itself, didn’t approve of. In this episode, Noam takes us on a tour of Begin’s decision, the aftermath, and how it still impacts Israel today.
Big Ideas
- Jewish history has taught the Jewish people to believe their enemies when they say they want to destroy them.
- “Never again” is not just a Jewish slogan but an Israeli promise to protect the Jewish people.
- Leaders must make difficult decisions that can include asking soldiers to put their lives in harm’s way.
Essential Questions
- What external factors should be taken into consideration when making important decisions to protect one’s country?
- What are the most important responsibilities of a country’s leader?
- Is it fair to ask individuals to risk their own lives to save an entire nation? (or to save a large amount of people)?
