The Exodus

October 26, 2008

On its famous voyage, it left Baltimore and picked up its passengers in France. Just 20 nautical miles (40 kilometers) from Palestine’s shore, but still in international waters, the British navy boarded the Exodus. When passengers challenged them, three sailors were killed and several dozen wounded.

Normally, illegal immigrants were detained in Cyprus, but the British sent them back to France as a message to European countries that anyone they sent to Palestine would be returned. After passengers were moved to British ships for their return trip to France, the Exodus remained in Haifa, never making another voyage.

By Joshua Spurlock
Correspondent
BFP Israel Mosaic Radio

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