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By: Fern Sidman
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Unit 669, a heliborne combat search and rescue extraction unit, has carved a niche as a premier force within the Israeli military. Subordinate to the Israeli Air Force’s 7 Wing, it operates as the Israeli equivalent to the Pararescue of the US Air Force. Established in 1974 by Yoram Shachar and Avner Ilnai, Unit 669 has played a crucial role in various conflicts, including the aftermath of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, and more recently, in the 2023 Israel–Hamas war.
Many have queried as to the genesis of the name. Why Unit 669? Why that particular number? According to a report on the American Friends of Unit 669 web site, back in 2017, former Israeli Consul General in New York, Dani Dayan, opened his private residence to members of Unit 669.
Ambassador Dayan began his remarks describing the origin of the unit’s name. “The unit number 669 was chosen in dedication to the rescue operation of 669 Jewish children in Czechoslovakia under Nazi occupation who were transferred to Britain during World War II by British humanitarian Nicholas Winton as a part of the ‘Kindertransport.’ The unit consists of life-saving values and skills that enable them to continue contributing to society even after they are released from active service,” explained Dayan.
The unit is strategically based at Tel Nof Airbase, utilizing CH-53D Sea Stallion Yas’ur helicopters, and at Palmachim Airbase, where UH-60 Black Hawk Yanshuf helicopters are deployed. These heliborne capabilities grant Unit 669 the agility and versatility required for rapid and effective combat search and rescue missions.
Unit 669’s inception was prompted by the lessons learned from the 1973 Yom Kippur War, where an ad hoc medevac unit performed around 5000 extractions. Initially mandated to extract and provide initial medical treatment to downed pilots beyond enemy lines, the unit’s role expanded over the years. It became involved in the extraction of soldiers from various arms of the IDF, notably supporting Sayeret (Special Forces) fighters in operations beyond enemy lines and aiding distressed seamen.
According to the Israeli Air Force, Unit 669 played a vital role in the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, showcasing its ongoing commitment to national security and its ability to adapt to contemporary conflicts.
Meet 669: the IDF’s Elite Airborne Evacuation and Rescue Unit Unpacked
Given the potential need to navigate hostile environments, Unit 669 soldiers undergo rigorous training in both special forces tactics and advanced medical procedures. The 18-month training and selection process is renowned as one of the most physically and psychologically demanding in the IDF. Key components of the training include basic training with the IDF Paratroopers, special operations combat training, advanced land warfare, counter-terrorism courses, scuba diving, rappelling, high angle rescue, advanced helicopter tactics, and parachuting.
Upon completing their arduous training, Unit 669 soldiers commit to an additional 18 months of service, extending beyond the standard three-year mandatory term. The cost of training per individual is estimated at 1 million Israeli new shekel, underscoring the significant investment in developing and maintaining this elite force.
The Legacy of Nicholas Winton
As to the background of the remarkable accomplishments of the person whom the unit’s name honors, it is noteworthy to delve into the remarkable legacy of Nicholas Winton.
Sir Nicholas Winton, born Nicholas Wertheimer in 1909 into a family of German Jewish ancestry, but who was baptized into the Anglican Church by his parents, emerged as an unsung hero during a dark period in history. A stockbroker by profession, Winton’s fascinating story unfolds in the late 1930s when he undertook a daring mission to rescue Jewish children from the imminent threat of the Holocaust.
In December 1938, Martin Blake, an instructional master at Westminster School and Winton’s friend, invited him to Czechoslovakia. Blake, associated with the British Committee for Refugees from Czechoslovakia, sought Winton’s assistance amid the growing refugee crisis following the German annexation of Sudeten regions under the Munich Pact.
In Prague, Winton was introduced to Doreen Wariner, and he visited refugee camps teeming with Jews and political opponents displaced by the Sudetenland annexation. Alarmed by the impending European war and inspired by the plight of the refugees, Winton felt compelled to take action.
Having learned about the Kindertransport initiative rescuing German and Austrian Jewish children, Winton decided to organize a similar rescue operation for children in Czechoslovakia. In March 1939, as Germany prepared to dismember Czechoslovakia, Winton, without official authorization, established a Children’s Section under the British Committee for Refugees from Czechoslovakia.
Winton’s operation began modestly, with him taking applications from parents at his hotel in Prague. During the day, Winton continued his regular job on the Stock Exchange. However, his evenings were devoted to the rescue efforts. His tireless dedication involved raising funds, negotiating with authorities, and coordinating logistics to facilitate the transports of children to Britain. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, he expanded his efforts and opened an office in central Prague. Thousands of desperate parents lined up outside the Children’s Section, seeking a safe haven for their children as the threat of Nazi occupation loomed large.
Winton’s meticulous planning also included finding British foster parents who eagerly awaited the arriving children at train stations in London. The last trainload of children left Prague on August 2, 1939. The invasion of Poland by Germany and Britain’s subsequent declaration of war in early September 1939 marked the end of Winton’s rescue efforts. The outbreak of war brought a halt to the transportation of children from Czechoslovakia to Britain.
Winton’s detailed records indicate that 664 children came to Britain on transports he organized. However, research for the documentary “The Power of Good: Nicholas Winton” identified five additional individuals, bringing the official number to 669 rescued children. Some rescued children remain unidentified to this day.
Remarkably, Winton’s heroic efforts went unnoticed for decades. It was only in 1988, when his wife Grete discovered a scrapbook containing photos and a complete list of rescued children, that Winton’s story gained public attention. It was in that year that a BBC television program reunited Winton with some of the children he had saved.
He received a letter of thanks from Ezer Weizman, the late president of Israel, and was granted honorary citizenship in Prague. In 2003, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed a knighthood upon Winton in recognition of his outstanding services to humanity.
Winton Lived Until 106
Upon his death in 2015 at the age of 106, the BBC reported that former Labour MP, Lord Dubs, was one of the children who was put on a train out of Czechoslovakia and he paid an emotional tribute to Winton as “just one of those very special human beings.”
“The real fact is that he was a man who saved my life and a lot of us who came on the Kindertransport owe him an enormous debt. His legacy is that when there is a need for you to do something for your fellow human beings, you have got to do it,” he said.
The BBC also reported that former UK Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to Sir Nicholas, tweeting: “The world has lost a great man. We must never forget Sir Nicholas Winton’s humanity in saving so many children from the Holocaust.”
In 2014, Sir Nicholas was awarded the Order of The White Lion by Czech president Milos Zeman.
Michael Zantovsky, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United Kingdom, who was a close friend described him as “a positive man who radiated good”.
“It was incredibly moving to be present at some of the gatherings of him with his so-called children and the children of his children. They all owe their existence to him,” he added.
According to the BBC report, UK Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis praised Sir Nicholas’ “exceptional courage, selflessness and modesty”.
“He lived to see thousands of descendants of those whose lives he saved who were proud to call themselves members of his family, and who were inspired by his example to undertake outstanding charitable, humanitarian and educational initiatives,” he said. “I knew him to be a gentleman of unfailing old-world courtesy, with a warm heart and a ready self-deprecating wit.”
Hailed as the “British Schindler” in Major Biopic
The remarkable story of Nicholas Winton, often hailed as the “British Schindler,” takes center stage in the new major biopic, One Life. Barbara Winton, his daughter, originally self-published a biography of her father in 2014, and the narrative has now been adapted into a compelling film that delves into Winton’s heroic efforts during the Jewish refugee crisis of the 1930s. The movie, boasting a stellar cast featuring Anthony Hopkins, Helena Bonham Carter, and Johnny Flynn, sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of history and solidifies Nicholas Winton’s legacy as a humanitarian.
One Life unfolds the dramatic rescue mission led by Nicholas Winton in 1939, where he orchestrated the evacuation of 669 mainly Jewish children from Czechoslovakia. Anthony Hopkins brings the elderly Winton to life on screen, capturing the essence of his compassionate character. Helena Bonham Carter portrays Winton’s mother, Babette, adding depth to the narrative, while Johnny Flynn embodies the younger Winton. Romola Garai and Alex Sharp play pivotal roles as Doreen Warriner and Trevor Chadwick, key figures in the Czech Refugee Committee, who played crucial roles in the perilous rescue efforts in Prague.
The film serves as a valuable introduction to the 1930s Jewish refugee crisis, a chapter in history often overlooked. Nicholas Winton’s heroism during this period is particularly significant, as he worked tirelessly to save the lives of children facing the looming threat of the Holocaust. The Kindertransport, a rescue movement that brought 10,000 children to the UK on temporary permits from Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Poland, has since become the most renowned refugee initiative in British history. The movie sheds light on the lesser-known details of this crucial moment and contributes to a broader understanding of the humanitarian efforts that unfolded during a challenging era.
The Kindertransport movement, a beacon of hope during a dark period in history, has gained widespread recognition since the early 2000s. The memorialization of the Kindertransport in the planned UK Holocaust Memorial next to the Houses of Parliament emphasizes its importance in the collective memory. The memorial, confirmed in the 2023 king’s speech, will stand as a testament to the resilience of those who sought refuge and the individuals, like Nicholas Winton, who played instrumental roles in their salvation.
One Life emerges as a poignant cinematic portrayal of Nicholas Winton’s extraordinary contributions during the Jewish refugee crisis. As audiences are taken on a journey through this historical drama, the film not only celebrates the life of a humanitarian but also educates viewers about a critical chapter in history that shaped the destinies of many. Nicholas Winton’s legacy as the “British Schindler” is now etched in cinematic history, ensuring that his story continues to inspire generations to come.
Sir Nicholas Winton’s legacy stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the impact one individual can have in the face of adversity. His determination to rescue Jewish children from the hands of the Nazi barbarians often at great personal risk, highlights the power of compassion and the ability of one person to make a profound difference in the lives of many.
