FROM GOODREADS: In 1972, 11 Israeli athletes were murdered at the Munich Olympics. This is the chilling account of how they were avenged. First published in 1984, George Jonas’s #1 bestseller Vengeance has become a real-life espionage classic. The story of five ordinary young Israelis whose mission it was to hunt down and kill the terrorists responsible for the massacre of eleven athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics, Vengeance plunges the reader into an explosive world of terrorism and political murder.
This is an account of what happened when five idealistic volunteer agents were sent to track down and kill the central figures of the PLO’s Munich operation, told from the point of view of “Avner,” a member of the team chosen to avenge the monstrous crime, and the first Mossad agent to come out of “deep cover” to tell his story. His description of the mechanics, the horrors and the unrelenting suspense of this mission surpasses the wildest fabrications of today’s blockbuster movies and bestselling crime thrillers. As these men moved from country to country, changing identities and risking their lives, they soon became targets themselves—tracked, hunted and even killed.
A profoundly human story, Vengeance explores firsthand the revulsion and doubt that came to torment the Israeli agents, inexorably changing their view of the mission and ultimately how they felt about themselves. It is also a stark examination of the timeless concerns that continue to plague our consciousness today: the nature of good and evil, and the difference between right and wrong.
Vengeance
“Vengeance: The True Story of an Israeli Counter-Terrorist Team” by George Jonas is a controversial account that follows the missions and operations of an Israeli counter-terrorism unit known as “Squadron.” Based on interviews and testimonies, the book provides a detailed narrative of the team’s pursuit and elimination of individuals involved in the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre. It explores themes of justice, revenge, and the moral complexities of counter-terrorism.
George Jonas was a Canadian journalist, poet, and author, born on June 15, 1935. He had a diverse career, writing for various newspapers and magazines. Jonas is known for his insightful analysis of political and social issues. Apart from “Vengeance,” he authored several other books, including “Reflections on Islam: Ideas, Opinions, Arguments” and “Beethoven’s Mask: Notes on My Life and Times.” Jonas’ writing style combines meticulous research with compelling storytelling, making his works highly regarded by readers and critics alike.
Vengeance Book Summary
“Vengeance: The True Story of an Israeli Counter-Terrorist Team” by George Jonas tells the captivating and controversial story of an Israeli counter-terrorism unit known as “Squadron” and their mission to track down and eliminate the individuals responsible for the tragic Munich Olympics massacre in 1972.
The book is based on the accounts and interviews provided by a member of Squadron known as “Avner,” who served as a key operative in the team. Jonas presents a detailed narrative of Squadron’s operations, including their training, intelligence gathering, and targeted assassinations carried out across Europe.
“Vengeance” explores the moral complexities and ethical dilemmas faced by the members of Squadron as they execute their mission. It delves into the motivations of the team, their relentless pursuit of justice, and their quest for revenge against those responsible for the Munich attack. The book raises thought-provoking questions about the use of violence and the boundaries of justice in the context of counter-terrorism.
Main Takeaways of the Book:
- Retaliation and Justice: “Vengeance” explores the concept of retaliation and the pursuit of justice in the face of terrorism. The book raises thought-provoking questions about the moral implications of taking revenge and the fine line between justice and vengeance.
- Covert Operations and Counter-Terrorism: The book delves into the world of covert operations and counter-terrorism, providing insights into the strategies, tactics, and techniques employed by the Israeli team to track down the terrorists. It sheds light on the complexities and risks involved in such operations.
- Human Cost and Personal Sacrifice: “Vengeance” explores the human cost and personal sacrifices made by the individuals involved in the operation. It delves into the psychological and emotional toll faced by the team members as they grapple with the consequences of their actions.
It is important to note that “Vengeance” has generated controversy and criticism. Some have questioned the accuracy and reliability of the author’s sources, as well as the veracity of certain events and conversations depicted in the book. Additionally, discussions have arisen regarding the book’s portrayal of individuals and the extent of its adherence to historical facts. As with any controversial account, readers are encouraged to approach the book with a critical mindset and consider multiple perspectives.
In conclusion, “Vengeance: The True Story of an Israeli Counter-Terrorist Team” by George Jonas offers a gripping and controversial narrative of Squadron’s pursuit of justice and revenge in the aftermath of the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre. While the book presents a captivating story based on firsthand accounts, readers should be aware of the controversies and criticisms surrounding its accuracy and interpretation of historical events.
Other Books with Similar Ideas:
- “Mossad: The Greatest Missions of the Israeli Secret Service” by Michael Bar-Zohar and Nissim Mishal (Published in 2012)
- “Rise and Kill First: The Secret History of Israel’s Targeted Assassinations” by Ronen Bergman (Published in 2018)
- “The Sword and the Shield: The Mitrokhin Archive and the Secret History of the KGB” by Christopher Andrew and Vasili Mitrokhin (Published in 1999)
Other Books with Opposite Ideas:
- “One Palestine, Complete: Jews and Arabs Under the British Mandate” by Tom Segev (Published in 1999)
- “The Iron Cage: The Story of the Palestinian Struggle for Statehood” by Rashid Khalidi (Published in 2006)
- “The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East” by Sandy Tolan (Published in 2006)
Movies and Videos Related to Vengeance
Munich – After the Black September capture and massacre of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics, five men are chosen to eliminate the people responsible for that fateful day.
21 Hours At Munich – Chilling account of events that shocked the world at the 20th Olympic Olympic games in Munich, West Germany, when a gang of eight Arab terrorists killed two Israeli team members and took nine others hostage. They demanded the release of over 200 Arabs held in Israeli prisons, but Israel refuses to negotiate with terrorism, leading to the eventual deaths of all of the hostages at a desperate shootout at the airport. The film is a heart-wrenching depiction of courage and heroism in the face of overwhelming odds.
One Day in September – Filmmaker Kevin MacDonald documents terrorism against Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Narrated by Michael Douglas.
Sword Of Gideon – Chronicles a Mossad team hand picked to hunt down the terrorists involved in the 1972 Munich Olympic massacre of Israeli athletes.
My Goodreads Review:
Vengeance by George JonasMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
After watching the movie “Munich” (again), I delved into the backstory and discovered it was based on this book. Reading “Vengeance” provided clarity on aspects that were unclear to me while watching the movie.
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