the helicopter tragedy
Following the First Lebanon War in 1982, Israel kept a security zone in Southern Lebanon. Initially, Israel sent soldiers to the security zone by ground; however, as roadside bomb threats increased, Israel began transporting soldiers to the security zone via helicopters. On February 4, 1997, two Israeli helicopters sent to the security zone collided in mid-air. Every soldier aboard the helicopters died, resulting in the loss of 73 lives.
In 2008, a memorial to honor the 73 soliders opened. The memorial consists of 73 stones surrounding a pool of water to represent each fallen soldier from the tragedy. Under the water, each soldier's name is written on a block. This memorial is located near the cemetary in Kibbutz Dafna, where one of the helicopters landed.
In 2008, a memorial to honor the 73 soliders opened. The memorial consists of 73 stones surrounding a pool of water to represent each fallen soldier from the tragedy. Under the water, each soldier's name is written on a block. This memorial is located near the cemetary in Kibbutz Dafna, where one of the helicopters landed.