Ein al-Zeitun massacre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ein al-Zeitun massacre |
|
|---|---|
| Part of 1948 Palestine war | |
| Location | Ein al Zeitun |
| Date | May 1, 1948 |
| Deaths | 23-70 |
| Victims | Arab prisoners |
| Assailants | Palmach |
The Ein al Zeitun massacre happened on May 1, 1948. It took place during the 1948 War. This event occurred in the Palestinian Arab village of Ein al-Zeitun. The village was located just north of Safed. At that time, this area was part of the British Mandate for Palestine. Historians believe that between 23 and 70 Arab prisoners were killed by the Palmach.
Contents
What Happened at Ein al-Zeitun?
Ein al-Zeitun was a Palestinian Arab village. About 800 people lived there. Some local Jewish people believed that Arabs from the village had been involved in a 1929 attack in Safed. This attack is thought to have been a way to get revenge for that earlier event.
The Attack on the Village
The attack on Ein al-Zeitun was carried out by the 3rd Battalion of the Palmach. The Palmach was a special fighting force. Their commander was Moshe Kelman. This attack was a first step to prepare for a bigger assault. They planned to attack the Arab area of Safed.
- For the first time, special bombs called Davidka mortar bombs were used.
- The village was captured without much difficulty.
- Most of the villagers ran away during the fighting.
- The remaining villagers were forced to leave.
- This included about 30 to 100 men, aged 20-40.
Destruction and Prisoners
After taking control, the Palmach soldiers began to destroy the village. A report from the Yiftah HQ stated that "30" Arab prisoners were "transferred to Golani [Brigade]". However, a day or two later, some Palmach soldiers killed several dozen prisoners. These prisoners likely included young men from Ein al-Zeitun. This happened in a valley between Ein al-Zeitun and Safed.
A soldier named Aharon Yo'eli was there. He later shared his story with historian Uri Milstein. He said that "2 Israelis came from Safad and took 23 men from Ayn Zaytoon." He added that they took their watches and wallets. Then, they took them to a hill and shot them. Other Arabs were sent towards Germak mountain.
What Happened Next?
The destruction of Ein al-Zeitun and the killing of prisoners had a big effect. It caused fear among the Arabs living in Safed. This fear likely made many of them leave in the days that followed.
See also
- Depopulated Palestinian locations in Israel
