MAR 28, 2024 JLM 71°F 05:52 PM 11:52 AM EST
Heroes of Israel: Remembering Chaviva Reich

Chaviva Reich was born in Slovakia in 1914. At a young age she became in involved with the Hashomer Hatzair Zionist youth movement and immigrated to the Land of Israel when she was 25.

In the height of World War II, the Jewish Agency initiated a covert plan to send Jews into Nazi-controlled territories to assist the Jewish communities in resisting the Nazi occupation. Chaviva, who had already joined the Palmach, volunteered to be parachuted into her native Slovakia to carry out the mission.

Moments prior to the jump, Chaviva was informed by British personnel (who assisted the Jewish Agency in carrying out the mission) that she – a woman – was not permitted to participate in the mission. Undeterred, she managed to hitch a ride with passing American pilots and arrived in Slovakia to the surprise of her fellow four parachutists.

Chaviva and her comrades proceeded to organize relief shelters for the thousands of fleeing Jewish refugees, facilitated the escape of Jews, and assisted Allied forces. 

On November 20, 1944, Nazi forces overpowered the local resistance and stormed Chaviva's hometown of Banska Bystrica where they were stationed.

Chaviva and the other parachutists escaped to the mountains with 40 other able-bodied Jews who were going to continue the resistance. Shortly after, the Nazis discovered their location and killed all but a few who escaped.

In 1952, Chaviva’s remains were found along with those of her fellow paratroopers, and were brought to Mount Herzl to receive a proper burial.

May her memory be a blessing.

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Sofia Valenti 11:14 21.11.2021
A true heroine
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