Tel Saki – Part I

With most stories, there is no absolute beginning or end. Life’s narratives aren’t typically quite as tidy as that. But our story today is different: It took place in a very specific time and place, and lasted exactly thirty-six hours. Over the course of eighteen months, Yochai Maital spoke to dozens of soldiers, all of whom are survivors of a single battle of the Yom Kippur War. For many of the young men – now in their 60s and 70s – who participated in it, the battle’s impact was so profound that they refer to it as their second birthplace.

The battle of Tel Saki was one of the most dramatic sagas in what was one of the most intense theaters of war in 1973. Throughout the Golan Heights, Israeli forces were vastly outnumbered during the first few days of the Yom Kippur War. Still, through tremendous acts of heroism and ingenuity, IDF soldiers managed to delay the Syrian troops. In so doing, they prevented a devastating invasion into the heart of Israel, and bought the heads of the army precious time to mount a counterattack. But, of course, this came at a horrible price. Many lost their lives in those first few days of war, and many of those who survived spent years – sometimes decades – piecing their lives back together.

But this is not your typical war story. It is a story about men who did not come home to a hero’s welcome, and whose bravery and sacrifice went largely unrecognized. And, above all, it is a tale of friendship and camaraderie, which might be the only cure for the emotional wounds of war.

The end song, “Adaber Itcha” (I Shall Talk to You), is sung by Chava Alberstein. Its lyrics were written by Rachel Shapira, and its music by Alona Turel (licensed by Israel Story through Acum).

Video trailer created by Daniel Jankovic at Kesher Video
Video trailer music by Leat Sabbah

About Israel Story: Israel Story is the award-winning podcast that tells extraordinary tales about ordinary Israelis. Often called “the Israeli ‘This American Life,’” we bring you quirky, unpredictable, interesting and moving stories about a place we all think we know a lot about, but really don’t. Produced in partnership with The Times of Israel.

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Transcript of this episode: