In the Israeli mainstream version , when the hopelessness of their position became undeniable on May 13 , dozens of defenders , the '' haverim '' , of Kfar Etzion laid down their arms and assembled in the courtyard , where they suddenly began to be shot at . Those not slain in the first volleys of fire pushed past the Arabs , and either escaped to hide , or gathered their weapons , and were hunted down . The number of people killed and the perpetrators , the Arab legion or local village irregulars or both , are in dispute . According to one account , the main group of about 50 defenders were surrounded by a large number of Arab irregulars , who shouted " Deir Yassin ! " and ordered the Jews to sit down , stand up , and sit down again , when suddenly someone opened fire on the Jews with a machine gun and others joined in the killing . Those Jews not immediately cut down tried to run away but were pursued . According to Meron Benvenisti , hand grenades were thrown into a cellar , killing a group of 50 who were hiding there . The building was blown up
Deir Yassin !
Deir Yassin massacre
Kfar Etzion massacre