The Role of the 'Gidonim' (Wireless Operators)

The 'Gidoni' was part of the ship's escort team on behalf of the Palmach. His role was to maintain communication with the shore stations in Europe half way through, and then contact 'Hamossad for Aliyah Bet' station in Tel-Aviv. Due to the importance of that role, 'Hamossad for Aliyah Bet' made sure that most of the Haapala ships had such a person on board, who would be responsible for communication with the shore. In cases where a few ships departed on proximate dates, an effort was made to maintain communication between the ships so as to coordinate the sailing routes and the dates of approach towards Israel, as well as offer assistance when needed. The 'Gidoni' was given strict order: If the ship is captured by the British, and they might find the radio, he would have to destroy the radio and the secret code in his possession.
The role of the 'Gidoni' became crucial when the ship neared the shore. He was responsible for communicating with the shore and transferring instructions to the ship commander regarding the preferable disembarkation point, information regarding the movements of the British Navy in the area, and the necessary maneuvering instructions to mislead the British. He also transferred instructions to the escorts regarding the organization of the resistance, in case the ship is caught, and regarding the crew's conduct.
The role of the 'Gidoni' demanded professional skill and an ability to improvise under difficult conditions, while using primitive equipment, which made the wireless communication on Haapala ships especially complicated.