The revolt is sparked and led by the Maccabean family of Jewish priest Matisyahu and his five sons: Jochanan, Simon, Ezra, Jonathan and Judah.
Matisyahu refuses to allow anyone to sacrifice to the Greek gods—and slays a Hellenistic Jew who attempts to do so.
The revolt is on.
“Mi l’Adoshem, ai–lye”
“He who is for God, follow me!”
–Battle cry of Matisyahu the Maccabee
The Jews will follow him into battle—and will ultimately prevail—after two–and–a–half decades of battle.