UGANDA (VINnews) – An Israeli hostage rescued during the famed Operation Entebbe returned to Uganda this week, marking 50 years since the daring mission that freed more than 100 hostages from pro-Palestinian hijackers.

Rabbi Dov Ber (Gilbert) Weil of Antwerp, Belgium, visited the site where he was held captive in 1976 and recited the traditional Jewish blessing said at the location of a miracle.

Surrounded by family members, Weil became emotional as he thanked Hashem for saving his life during the rescue operation, which remains one of the most celebrated missions in Israeli history.

Weil and his late wife were among the passengers aboard the hijacked Air France flight that was diverted to Entebbe, Uganda. According to reports, his wife insisted on lighting Shabbos candles while being held hostage, obtaining matches with the help of another hostage who had survived the Holocaust.

The visit coincided with the 50th anniversary of Operation Entebbe, during which Israeli commandos carried out a dramatic overnight rescue that stunned the world.