may 1, 1948 - Ein al-Zeitun massacre

Description:

The Ein al Zeitun massacre took place on May 1, 1948, near Safed in Mandatory Palestine, where 23 to 70 Arab prisoners were killed by the Palmach's 3rd Battalion, led by Moshe Kelman. The Palestinian Arab village of Ein al-Zeitun, home to about 800 inhabitants, was attacked as part of a broader operation to target Safed's Arab quarter. During the assault, most villagers fled, but 30 to 100 men were detained; the village was then substantially destroyed.

The massacre is believed to have been driven by revenge, linked to the village's alleged involvement in the 1929 massacre of Jews. Following the takeover, a report from Yiftah HQ noted that "30" Arab prisoners were transferred to the Golani Brigade. Subsequently, in a nearby gully, several dozen prisoners were murdered under Kelman's orders, with the act carried out by two soldiers after others refused.

The event came to light when concerns arose about possible investigations by British or UN officials, prompting efforts to conceal the evidence. The incident, coupled with the village's destruction, instilled significant fear among the Arab population of Safed, contributing to their flight in subsequent days.

Added to timeline:

Date: