The Kfar Etzion massacre was a massacre of 129 Jews by the Arab Legion on May 13, 1948, the day before the Israeli Declaration of Independence. All but four of the 133 inhabitants of Kibbutz Kfar Etzion were killed during a three-hour bombardment by Arab artillery, in the wake of a siege that lasted several days. When the remaining defenders surrendered, they assembled near the school where they were photographed waving white flags with their hands in the air. The Arabs opened fire and killed many on the spot. Those who remained alive were stabbed to death. Hand grenades were thrown into a cellar, killing a group of 50 who were hiding there. The building was blown up.Only four members of Kfar Etzion survived. They were taken prisoner and transferred to Transjordan. Immediately following the surrender on May 13, the kibbutz was looted and burned.
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