Shalom friends,

On 24 February 1942 the MV Struma, a ship that had been trying to take nearly 800 Jewish refugees from Axis-allied Romania to Mandatory Palestine, was torpedoed on the the coast of Şile in North Istanbul by a Soviet submarine. The attack killed an estimated 781 refugees plus 10 crew, making it the Black Sea's largest exclusively civilian naval disaster of World War II.

“What sets the Struma apart and imbues it with extraordinary significance is that from December 16, 1941, until the afternoon of February 23, 1942, its ordeal was played out before the entire watching but unfeeling world. No country could deny awareness of the impending calamity and yet all countries let it happen in full view” Sarah Honig

These dates in Jewish history serve as reminders of the enormous obstacles that had to be overcome in order for us to attain the comforts we have now achieved. They also provide a stern reminder that never again must Jews be left to the mercy of others - it is we who must stand strong, together and defend ourselves. It is we who must ensure the protection of the Jewish homeland so that there will always be a safe haven for the Nation of Israel.

Aliya Bet ship 'The United Nations' managed to run the British blockade and offload 537 ma'apilim on Naharia beach

	Aliyah Bet: Trials and Tribulations After the Second World War, Aliya Bet became the crux of Zionist activity, focusing the world's attention on the plight of those Holocaust survivors who wanted to immigrate to a Jewish state. Tens of thousands of would-be immigrants arrived at the shores of Palestine on dozens of ships (among them the Exodus 1947), only to be caught by the British and interned in detention camps. We remember the difficulties overcome to make aliyah and build the land of Israel, to know our past and appreciate how much has been achieved! Read More
	Struma: Hopes Destroyed What sets the Struma apart and imbues it with extraordinary significance is that from December 16, 1941, until the afternoon of February 23, 1942, its ordeal was played out before the entire watching but unfeeling world. No country could deny awareness of the impending calamity and yet all countries let it happen in full view. Read More
	Exodus 1947: History in the Making By Dr. Elana Yael Heideman The war with Germany was over, but for thousands of Holocaust survivors, the fight for survival was far from won. Learn the real history of this monumental event that impacted the course of history. Read More
	Four Portraits of People Who Experienced the Aliyah Bet Sustained by the Zionist dream and spurred by the threat and later the unrelenting actuality of Nazi annihilation, 125,000 Jewish men, women and children made the perilous journey by sea to Palestine during the period 1938-1948 despite the many obstacles placed in their way. Read More
	Exploring the Aliyah Bet: Discussion Questions Aliyah is a deeply significant moment. The hope and dream of Jews to return to the land of our ancestors, beginning new life in an ancient land… What did Aliyah mean to the people involved in Aliyah Bet? What does it mean today? Israel Forever’s discussion questions help focus thoughts on these meaningful yet complicated issues. Read More

Aliya Bet became one of the principle ways of rescuing Jews during World War II, and the first ship of illegal immigrants reached Palestine in 1934. Every effort, every ship, faced a myriad of obstacles, including the restriction of ship use, lack of funds, the continuing British blockade of Palestine, and unsafe conditions. All of these problems forced the slowing down of operations , by 1942. The Mossad resumed their efforts in 1944 when the "Final Solution” became known to the Jews of Palestine and sought to do everything they could to save those who could be saved.

Learn more about The Exodus 1947 today!

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