Flight Hijacking Victim Discusses How It Happened, The Terrorist Group, and Trauma On The 53rd Anniversary of the Hijacking

We delve into the remarkable story of Martha Hodes, a historian whose personal experience intertwines with history's most gripping moments. On September 6, 1970, twelve-year-old Martha Hodes and her thirteen-year-old sister embarked on a flight from Israel to New York City, an ordinary journey that would soon become an extraordinary tale. Their plane, however, fell victim to a hijacking orchestrated by members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, altering their lives in ways they could not have imagined.

Navigating the complexities of an Israeli-Palestinian conflict as young bystanders, Martha and her sister found themselves stranded in the Jordan desert for six days. In her memoir, "My Hijacking: A Personal History of Forgetting and Remembering," Martha Hodes brings to life her fragmented memories of those harrowing days, drawing from her own recollections, conversations with family and friends, and meticulous archival research.

Through Martha's lens, we revisit the past. The narrative takes us on a journey that bridges history and personal experience, shedding light on the hostage crisis that reverberated globally. As Martha grapples with the trauma of the past, she also unearths the profound divisions that persist to this day, underscoring the ongoing struggles in the region.

My Hijacking: A Personal History of Forgetting and Rememberingis not only a gripping account of survival but also an exploration of empathy and understanding. Join us as we uncover Martha Hodes' captivating tale of resilience, introspection, and the enduring impact of historical events on our lives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.