TV Series About Israeli POW Ron Arad Shut Down at Request of Family

ISRAEL (VINnews) — A television series about Israeli POW Ron Arad has been shut down at the request of his family members.

According to Ynet News, the show was in the initial stages of production, consisting of investigative and writing work. When information about the show reached Mr. Arad’s family, they contacted the producers and asked them to refrain from continuing the work. The producers, part of the Yes production company, agreed to the request.

Both production officials and representatives of the Arad family apparently confirmed the report.

According to Wikipedia: “On 16 October 1986, Mr. Arad and pilot Yishai Aviram were on a mission to attack PLO targets around Maghdouche in Southern Lebanon. A bomb dropped by their F-4 Phantom II apparently exploded prematurely, causing damage to the aircraft and forcing both crewmen to eject. Aviram was located by an Israeli Bell AH-1 Cobra a few hours later, and escaped by clinging to one of its landing skids as it flew away while under heavy enemy fire, but Arad was captured by the Lebanese [terrorist group] Amal.

Mr. Arad was taken to Beirut where he was held by then-head of security of Amal, Mustafa Dirani. Amal head Nabih Berri announced that he was holding Arad, and proposed an exchange for Shiite and Lebanese prisoners held in Israel.

In 1987, three letters in Mr. Arad’s handwriting and two photos of a bearded Arad were received, proving Mr. Arad was alive. The Israeli government negotiated for his release, but talks failed in 1988.”

In 2008, Israel received a report from the terrorist organization Hezbollah, claiming that Ron Arad was killed during an attempt to escape in 1988.

In 2011, the Uvda show revealed heartbreaking letters he wrote to his family members while being held in Lebanon. “And now to my dearest, Tami and Yuval – I try to forget you because every memory of it chokes my throat, but know that I love you and you will probably be the only reason that prevents me from thinking about the worst,” he wrote in a letter dated November 1, 1986. “I promise at least the following: a. I will come back again. A year? Two years? b. I will never and again never leave you again even if I have to stop flying. c. We will have a warm, loving and good home like we have never had before.”