A statue in Uganda of Benjamin Netanyahu’s brother Jonathan, who was killed in the Entebbe raid

For me, the anniversary is on the sixth of July 1976 which is the day the news of the raid at Entebbe reached us here in Australia. Today is the fortieth anniversary of that moment. To show how the world does change, the commemorative service, addressed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – whose brother led the raid and was killed by the terrorists – spoke at Entebbe on the anniversary.

Monday’s ceremony at the scene of the raid was attended by some of the rescued hostages and Israeli special forces who carried out the operation.

Mr Netanyahu said: “Exactly 40 years ago Israeli soldiers carried out the historic mission in Entebbe. Forty years ago they landed in the dead of night in a country led by a brutal dictator who gave refuge to terrorists. Today we landed in broad daylight to be welcomed by a president who fights terrorism.”

His elder brother, Jonathan, was shot dead as he led the operation to free hostages, who had been taken captive on an Air France flight by Palestinian and German militants.

For those who do not know of this moment, the story is told as the story of Yoni Netanyahu, the Prime Minister’s brother, who led the raid on an exhilarating day I have never forgotten.