Photo: Wikipedia
Haviva Reik
Paratrooper
Haviva Reik (1914-1944) was one of 32 parachutists sent behind enemy lines during World War Two to rescue Jews. Originally from Slovakia before moving to Palestine, she parachuted into Slovakia with several other members of her team. They organized resistance cells, helped rescue downed Allied pilots, provided humanitarian relief to fellow Jews, and helped many escape. In October of 1944 she, her colleagues, and about 40 Jews were captured by the Germans. She was executed a month later. In 1952 her body was brought to Israel to be buried on Mt. Herzl, alongside fellow fighter Hannah Senesh.