Ambrosiana – Besieged Jerusalem
"Besieged Jerusalem" sailed from Chwitokya on February 3rd 1948, with 670 immigrants on board.
The Haapala ship, "Besieged Jerusalem" (named as a token of sympathy towards the residents of the besieged Jerusalem during the War of Independence) prepared to depart for Israel from Giata port in Italy. The ship commander was Yehuda Zarfati. The 'Gidoni' was Danny Sandler. An additional escort was Palyam member, Moshe Dafni.
"Besieged Jerusalem" sailed from Chwitokya on February 3rd 1948, with 670 immigrants on board. A British reconnaissance aircraft spotted the ship on February 10th, and a few hours later, the ship was followed by British destroyer. The next day, it was joined by two more destroyers, which forced "Besieged Jerusalem" to change its route from Tel-Aviv to Haifa. The ship entered Haifa port on February 12th. A British takeover crew boarded it and its immigrants were transferred to the "Ocean Vigor" deportation ship without resisting. Dafni mingled with the immigrants and joined them to Cyprus, while the two remaining escorts who hid in the 'Slik' were safely rescued later on.
"Besieged Jerusalem" sailed from Chwitokya on February 3rd 1948, with 670 immigrants on board. A British reconnaissance aircraft spotted the ship on February 10th, and a few hours later, the ship was followed by British destroyer. The next day, it was joined by two more destroyers, which forced "Besieged Jerusalem" to change its route from Tel-Aviv to Haifa. The ship entered Haifa port on February 12th. A British takeover crew boarded it and its immigrants were transferred to the "Ocean Vigor" deportation ship without resisting. Dafni mingled with the immigrants and joined them to Cyprus, while the two remaining escorts who hid in the 'Slik' were safely rescued later on.