The Road to Bab al-Wad

Judas

This thread traces Mija’s decision to fight, his death on the Jerusalem road, and the grief that shapes the household.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Disabled Son A Disabled Son from "Judas". Vulnerability and Defiance Medical History Mija has one kidney, yet conceals his condition from the recruitment committee.

A Disabled Son from "Judas". Vulnerability and Defiance Medical History Mija has one kidney, yet conceals his condition from the recruitment committee.

Vulnerability and Defiance Medical History Mija has one kidney, yet conceals his condition from the recruitment committee. Family Opposition Atalia and Shaltiel Abravanel urge him not to join the fighting. His choice places personal loyalty and political conviction against the warnings of those closest to him.

The Convoy Mission The Convoy Mission from "Judas". The Road Under Fire Escort Duty Mija joins a convoy travelling the road between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

The Convoy Mission from "Judas". The Road Under Fire Escort Duty Mija joins a convoy travelling the road between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

The Road Under Fire Escort Duty Mija joins a convoy travelling the road between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Attack Fighters leave the vehicles to clear a roadblock and attack positions firing from the hills. The dangerous terrain turns a military operation into a scattered, confused struggle.

Left Behind at Night Left Behind at Night from "Judas". A Missing Combatant Retreat The convoy withdraws after the attack, carrying some wounded and dead but failing to notice Mija is missing.

Left Behind at Night from "Judas". A Missing Combatant Retreat The convoy withdraws after the attack, carrying some wounded and dead but failing to notice Mija is missing.

A Missing Combatant Retreat The convoy withdraws after the attack, carrying some wounded and dead but failing to notice Mija is missing. Isolation Mija may remain wounded through the night, unable to reach the road or his companions. The battle’s most consequential event unfolds beyond the knowledge of those who have escaped.

The Morning Search The Morning Search from "Judas". A Body Found Search Party Mija’s friends search the hillside the following morning.

A Body Found Search Party Mija’s friends search the hillside the following morning. Mutilation They find that he has been killed and mutilated; Atalia later learns the details through a comrade’s diary. The account gives the survivors no certainty about his final moments, only images they cannot escape.

Grief Becomes Inheritance Grief Becomes Inheritance from "Judas". The Dead Continue to Shape the Living Wald’s Guilt Wald sees his own teaching as part of what sent Mija to war.

Grief Becomes Inheritance from "Judas". The Dead Continue to Shape the Living Wald’s Guilt Wald sees his own teaching as part of what sent Mija to war.

The Dead Continue to Shape the Living Wald’s Guilt Wald sees his own teaching as part of what sent Mija to war. Atalia’s Anger Atalia directs her grief toward the national project she believes consumed her husband. Their different responses keep the battle alive inside the home long after the road has fallen silent.

Before the 1948 war

April 2, 1948

Night of April 2, 1948

Dawn after April 2, 1948

Winter 1959–1960