Golani Brigade facts for kids

The Golani Brigade (also known as Brigade No. 1) is a famous infantry brigade in Israel. It was created on February 28, 1948, when a larger brigade was split into two. The Golani Brigade is known as one of the bravest and most decorated infantry units in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Symbols and Colors

The symbol of the Golani Brigade is a green olive tree with its roots showing on a yellow background. The olive tree stands for strength and deep roots. The colors, green and yellow, represent the different areas where the Golani soldiers have fought. Early soldiers in the Golani Brigade were often farmers or new immigrants. Because of this, they chose a brown beret, which looks like the color of the land.

History of the Golani Brigade

During the 1950s, the Golani Brigade took part in many important operations. They were involved in actions against Syria in 1951 and against Egypt in October 1955. In the 1956 Sinai Campaign, the Golani Brigade's job was to capture the area around the city of Rafah in the Sinai Peninsula desert.

At Golani Junction in northern Israel, there is a museum dedicated to the Golani Brigade. It honors the brigade and its brave soldiers. Golani soldiers are known for being very tough and determined. They are seen as brave and friendly, but also very committed to their goals. This is why they are highly respected by those they face. The Golani Brigade is also special because it is the only brigade that uses the heavy IDF Achzarit armored personnel carriers. The Achzarit is a very strong vehicle built to handle tough city battles.

Special Units and Missions

The Golani's recon company, called Sayeret Golani, is one of the most respected special forces units in the IDF. This unit, along with another special unit called Sayeret Matkal, helped take back the Mount Hermon position during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The soldiers in this unit are very dedicated. For example, in 1994, one commander was seriously injured by an enemy mine. He managed to help himself and is now a senior commander in the IDF. In 1976, parts of the Golani Brigade were sent to Uganda. Their mission was to rescue 246 Jewish people who were held hostage on a plane. The mission was successful, but the commander of the mission was killed.

As of 2004, the Golani Brigade mostly works along Israel's northern border and in the West Bank, especially around Jenin. In 2004, a Golani battalion also helped the Givati Brigade in the Gaza Strip. In July 2006, Golani soldiers were part of the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict. They faced a difficult battle of Bint Jbeil, where they had significant casualties.

Battalions of the Golani Brigade

The Golani Brigade is made up of several battalions and special units:

• Barak Battalion - Gdud 12
• Gideon Battalion - Gdud 13
• "Golani Buds" - This unit trains new soldiers for all parts of the brigade.
• The Egoz Reconnaissance Unit - This is a special forces unit.
• The First Breachers' Battalion (HaBok'im HaRishon) - Gdud 51

Images for kids

• 

  Golani soldiers during a roll call before Operation Uvda

• 

  A Golani Brigade soldier in uniform, who is a medic and has received awards.

• 

  Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz watching a military drill by the Barak Battalion in northern Israel.

• 

  Moshe Mann, the first commander of the Golani Brigade.

See also

In Spanish: Brigada Golani para niños