WINTER 2005 WINTER 2005 - THE AVI NEWSLETTER AMERICAN VETERANS OF ISRAEL VOLUNTEERS IN ISRAEL’S WAR OF INDEPENDENCE UNITED STATES & CANADA VOLUNTEERS 136 East 39th Street, New York, NY 10016

President’s Message He Deserted the British Book Review: Machal Army to Fight for Israel in the Eyes of History I am most grateful to the AVI board Kit Wilkes-Chase, a non-Jewish Ha’Machal, Mitnadvei Chutz of directors for the honor bestowed British serviceman, was assigned to L’Aretz b’Milchemet Ha’Atzmaut on me in electing me as President of guard prisoners at Atlit in 1947. Ap- (Machal, the Overseas Volunteers in our organization. To the membership palled by the treatment of these Ho- the War of Independence), by Yaacov at large I proffer a pledge to do my locaust survivors, he abandoned his Markovitsky, is among the collection utmost in fulfilling our post and offered his services to the of War of Independence articles by dif- organization’s agenda and objec- . With the formation of the ferent authors in Alon Kadish’s book tives. IDF, he was sent to the commando Milchemet Ha’Atzmaut. An overview The major challenge I see this unit, Chayot Hanegev, where he of the book and reviews of several ar- coming year is in keeping us unified fought to stem the Egyptian advance ticles appeared in the Summer 2004 and focused to accomplish our mis- on Tel Aviv. Wilkes-Chase also par- AVI Newsletter. The Fall Newsletter sion, in spite of our ever-diminish- ticipated in battles to conquer contained a review of Markovitsky’s ing numbers. We want to ensure that Beersheba and the skirmishes around Gachal article. others will perpetuate our legacy Eilat. He was wounded twice. Markovitsky is also the acknowl- edged author of the Machal booklet, when we are no longer here. (Wilkes-Chase continued on p.14) I envision the mission of our or- published a few years earlier by Israel’s Ministry of Education. Those who’ve ganization as ensuring that the Jew- read either the English or Hebrew ver- ish community is made fully aware sion may recall that Zipporah Porath, of our role in the creation and de- Joe Woolf and yours truly are thanked fense of the State of Israel. That the for “their contributions” and for “help ideals and spirit that led us to fight in editing.” When trying to compare in the defense of the Jewish people the two, I thought the article more akin be remembered and emulated when- to his draft of the booklet before the ever our people are endangered. involvement of the “contributors,” than In my vision I see a place for AVI to the finally published product. I also in the Conference of Presidents of Gen. Zvika Gendelman of Israel found it odd that the Machal booklet the Major Jewish Organizations Embassy in London presents is not referred to at all in his article, where we could call on the Jewish certificate to Mrs. Wilkes-Chase although it contains references to other communities to act vigorously in Markovitsky works - and some of its defending the Jewish People and the passages were apparently taken from State of Israel in these threatening his booklet almost verbatim. times Also odd is that his article begins During my tenure in 2005 I will with an obviously non-Machal morsel, which has it that over 20,000 of all encourage and provide focus to: those mobilized in the War of Indepen- 1. Supporting the AVI Newsletter dence were “new immigrants who and the Newsletter Website, the prin- were trained and organized in Europe cipal means of communication and in the Cyprus camps,” and “most among our members. arrived after British rule ended on 15 President’s Message continued on p. 14) Kit Wilkes-Chase Book Review (continued on p.15)

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American Veterans of Israel ANNUAL BUDGET AND CASH FLOW PLAN 136 E. 39 Street YEAR ENDING 12/31/05 New York, NY 10016-0914 BEGINNING BANK BALANCE-2005 $16,500 Officers and Executive Board Machal Pamphlet Reserves 4550 President Life Membership Reserves 3500 Ira Feinberg 201 886 1188 Archives Donations 750 TOTAL ALLOCATED FUNDS 8,800 Vice President Bill Gelberg 561 278 7392 BEGINNING BALANCE (1/1/05)- FREE CASH 7,700 Executive Director Simon Spiegelman 212 685 8548 [email protected] PROJECTED INCOME-2005 Membership Dues 7000 Treasurer Transfer from Life Membership Reserves 1700 David Gerard 631 499 4327 Transfer from Machal Pamphlet Reserves 2000 Vice Presidents Archives Donations (Released from 2004 donations) 750 Canada: Jerry Rosenberg Hanukkah Contributions (Attendants) 500 416 787 7632 Machal Pamphlet Sales 600 USA Regions Northeast: Paul Kaye Newsletter Subscriptions 1000 718 428 2465 TOTAL INCOME –2005 $13,550 Southeast: Irving Meltzer 561 637 5874 PROJECTED EXPENSES-2005 West: Bailey Nieder 206 722 8197 Newsletter Printing and Mailing 5000 Midwest: Ben Hagai Steuerman Museum Inauguration and West Point National Events 2000 773 935 0802 Computer Supplies & Service 500 Directors Postage, Printing & Copies 1000 Newsletter, Internet and Trustees Telephone & Conference Calls 800 Committee: Hanukkah Event 600 Samuel Z. Klausner 215 473 6034 West Point & Parade 500 [email protected] Contribution to Archives Account (new) 1000 Archives and Museum Transfer to Archives Account (Members Donations from 2004) 750 Ralph Lowenstein 352 392 6525 TOTAL EXPENSES- 2005 $12,500 352 393 6670 FAX [email protected] PROJECTED ENDING BALANCE (12/31/05)- Speakers Bureau: FREE CASH 9,100 Naomi Kantey 201 489 3809

Activities and Membership PLANNED RESERVES ALLOCATIONS- END 2005 David Hanovice (USA) Machal Pamphlet Distribution 2550 201 224 3551 Life Membership Reserve 1800 Joe Warner (Canada) 416 497 0140 Archives Donations (Estimated for Year 2005) 1000 Art Bernstein (Museum) TOTAL ALLOCATED RESERVES- END 2005 $5,350 978 532 6956 PROJECTED BANK BALANCE- END 2005 $14,450 Representative to World Machal Zippy Porath [email protected] Dave Gerard Websites Si Spiegelman http://www.sas.upenn.edu/~sklausne/ 1/13/2005 aviweb.html http://www.israelvets.com

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NEW YORK AVI HANUKKAH OBSERVANCE 2004 On Sunday, December 12, 2004, take a harder stand in combating the Machal tribute on the Intrepid AVI in New York held its annual anti-Semitism in the world, particu- and her assistance in distributing Hanukkah celebration at the Bnai larly in view of the deepening threat the Machal pamphlet. As a token Zion hall. As in years past, old com- of countries in the Middle East con- of appreciation she was presented rades got together to exchange fam- doning terror. with the Silver State of Israel medal ily updates, swap old tales and The guest speaker was Ravit Bar- remembering Clandestine Immi- commiserate as the years take their Av, Chief Information officer at the gration. toll. Nevertheless, nothing stopped Israel Consulate General in New Ruth Gruber concluded the pro- them from enjoying a great brunch, York, who spoke of the improved gram with a talk about her life and lighting the Hanukkah candles and outlook for negotiations with the work as an acclaimed and prolific joining in song. Palestinians in view of Arafat’s de- author even to this day. She spoke It was also an opportunity to in- parture from the scene. She was of the importance of persistence troduce our incoming president, Ira guardedly optimistic about the and dedication as values in life. Feinberg, who spoke about his pro- practically nil possibilities of peace Two of her books were available gram for the coming year. (See Ira’s while he was alive. to the attendees. message in this issue of the News- Si Spiegelman, Executive Direc- The guests took leave standing letter). He spoke of AVI’s opportu- tor, praised Ravit for her support around and chatting at the door un- nity to become more engaged in of AVI and reminded the audience til the last minute as another Ha- persuading other organizations to about her activities in organizing nukkah celebration came to a close.

THE HANOVICE STORY: DAVID HANOVICE REMINISCES. For many U.S, and Canadian volunteers who served business. He became a U.S. citizen in 1912, and during in Bet and in Machal the essence of their stories World War I participated in the war effort by working is the theme of a dual commitment. They served their as a carpenter and pipe fitter in the Houston area ship- country in the Second World War and participated in yards. When the war ended and Britain received a man- the struggle for the creation of a Jewish State. Nowhere date from the League of Nations to govern , were these ties more explicit than in the story of the Israel, who was an ardent Zionist, left for a visit to the Hanovice family. Holy Land. He toured the country from one end to the other on foot and by any means of transport available at PART I. QUIET TIMES the time. This led to his decision to settle and make a Israel Hanovice was born in Russia, in the Minsk prov- home for his family in Palestine. Tel-Aviv was in its ince, on Jan.10, 1884. Following the recurring pogroms infancy when he brought the family over and bought a he emigrated to the United States of America. He landed parcel of land near Jaffa. Here he constructed his house. in New York and settled in York, Pennsylvania where It was one of the early buildings in the city and it still he found work in the coalmines and other industries. stands today on Geula Street 30 serving as an annex to He married his first wife Sara around 1905 and they a school next door. Nine of Israel’s children moved to had two sons. He discovered new opportunities in the Palestine with their parents and three more were born West and resettled the family in Houston, Texas where in Tel Aviv later on. Israel worked for many years as a two daughters were born. Following Sara’s untimely plumbing contractor in the growing city. In 1927 the death at age 29, Israel traveled to New York where he family returned to Houston in order to retain their U.S. was introduced to a young widow, Rebecca Pravda. He citizenship. With the onset of the depression years the married her and brought her to Houston. Rebecca cared family left Houston and resettled in Tel-Aviv. This time for his first four children and also raised 8 more of their the four older children remained with relatives in Hous- offspring in Houston, Texas. ton in order to continue their high school studies. Re- Israel found work in various trades and engaged in Hanovice (continued on next page)

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Hanovice (continued) to the Yarkon River that required a donkeys, as was the custom on the turning to Tel Aviv in 1930 Israel full day’s hike back and forth. For land. There were no paved roads and resumed his occupation as a plumb- popular entertainment there were riding a bicycle was impossible on ing and building contractor as the several movie houses in Tel Aviv, the sandy roads in the region. At new city was growing by leaps and including the Mograbi, Armon, school I studied music and sang in bounds. Achad Ha-Am, Gan-Rina, and the choir, but then I switched to David Hanovice recalls his boy- Ophir. There was also the Habima classes in the school’s carpentry hood years in Tel-Aviv, “When I was Theater.” shop and worked on class projects a child and came home from school In 1935 Israel decided to leave Tel- that were displayed at the end of the at midday, my mother would send Aviv and live on the Land in the school year. In the evenings, except me to deliver lunch to my father at spirit of the Zionist pioneers. With on Friday nights, my parents would his work site. While he had his meal eight children in the family helping take a buggy ride to Pardess-Hanna I waited to take back the utensils. My out, he saw the possibility of oper- to visit and have tea with relatives father detailed jobs for me to do ating a farm of moderate size. He and friends from their country of while he was eating. In this way I bought a citrus grove in Tel-Alon, origin. They would talk about the acquired my mechanical skills from near Pardess-Hanna. At that time cit- “old times” while we, children, re- him. Among my childhood memo- rus exports to Europe were rising and mained at home to do our school ries of Tel-Aviv, I vividly recall the the future looked promising for that homework assignments. On Sab- school years as I entered the first industry. He sold the house in Tel bath, our only day off, I would ac- grade without knowing any Hebrew. Aviv and aided by bank loans he company my father to the Syna- I recall the special efforts of my purchased a ten-acre citrus grove. He gogue in the morning. In the after- teacher, Rachel, to have me keep up built a new house on the hill over- noon my older brothers played with with the class. I kept close ties with looking the grove and had the entire the local soccer team, and we would her for many years. Mr. Maravi was family help to finish it and make it attend the matches. I also partici- our music teacher. He taught me to livable. pated in the local Maccabi sports read notes and to sing on any occa- David Hanovice recalls those days, group and Zvulun Sea Scouts in sion. Geula Street branched off from “We were isolated, since the closest Hadera. On Saturday evening there Allenby, a main thoroughfare of Tel- community of Pardess-Hanna was was usually a new movie at the lo- Aviv at that time. North of Dizengoff five miles away. There were only cal theater including news shorts Street was sand dunes. Westward on three families nearby and they lived from around the world. In the news the Mediterranean Sea was a very miles apart. with hundreds of acres at that time we saw the rise of Nazi shallow beach where we spent a lot of citrus groves covering that area. Germany, of Fascism in Europe and of time swimming in the summer- Beside the citrus grove where all of the outbreak of World War II.” time and building sandcastles. The us worked every day after school, we lifeguard at the beach was known as had a barn with several horses, cows, PART II. WAR YEARS Mullah. On the holiday of Lag donkeys and a chicken coop. Each Before the war broke out, five of Ba’Omer we would light bonfires on of us had prescribed chores assigned the Hanovice children were living in the beach till the early-hours of the varying with the seasons. There also the U.S. The remaining children, morning, sitting around and relating were hired laborers who worked consisting of five boys and two girls stories. There was an opera singer alongside our family members lived on the family homestead in Tel- in our neighborhood who practiced whenever more hands were needed. Alon. In 1936, Arab terrorist gangs for his performances and all day our We grew our own fruit and veg- began to ambush residents of the street was filled with opera music. etables and that was one of my Jewish communities and settle- On the Sabbath, when there was no chores for many years. All year ments, engaging in wanton killings traffic on the street, we would play round we had vegetables that were and destruction. The British admin- sticks, a game similar to baseball, in season. We had a surplus of pro- istration permitted the strengthening played with a short stick instead of duce and eggs, which my father of the police forces in the Jewish a ball. We went on special outings would sell to a grocer in Pardess- villages, townships and settlements Hanna. To get to school we rode our Hanovice (continued on next page) 4 WINTER 2005 - THE AVI NEWSLETTER

Hanovice (continued) soldier until his retirement. for four years in K-9 training as as- as well as in the large cities. As a sistant instructor for local groups of result, the Haganah, the Jewish un- Sam Hanovice dog owners. This involved training derground defense organization, Sam was active with the Haganah dogs in attack and defense as well called on able-bodied Jews to par- and trained under Orde Wingate, as mine detection and using dogs as ticipate in its defense activities. Jew- head of the ‘Night Brigades’ com- messengers between local posts and ish men joined the British Police bating the Arab terrorists in Pales- patrols in the field. He served in the Special Forces called Notrim, tine from 1936 to 1939. During British Air Force supernumerary Gafirim, or Supernumerary Police. WWII his Haganah unit was at- Police around Tel-Nof /Aqir and as This was followed by a variety of tached to the British Royal Navy the U.S. entered the war he trans- clandestine training and maneuvers Commandos and trained as seals in ferred to the U.S. Army unit based in weapons use and field tactics as underwater demolition. In May at Tel-Litvinsky. He served with the part of the Haganah activities. In 1941, the 23 members, under the 404th Q.M. Trucking unit made up 1939, when World War II broke out command of British Major, Sir An- of US citizens who resided abroad. and as news spread about the atroci- thony Palmer, were sent on a mis- The company included six Chris- ties perpetrated against the Jews in sion to destroy refineries and fuel tians from Lebanon and about 50 Europe, a large number of volunteers storage installations in Lebanon and Jews from Palestine. The unit trans- joined the British Armed Forces and Syria. These were under the control ported supplies and personnel dur- served in the Jewish Brigade, and of the French Vichy government, ing the battles of El Alamein and other units. which collaborated with Nazi Ger- Sulom Pass, Tobruk, Benghazi, Tri- Israel Hanovice was not a politi- many. To this day they are MIA and poli all the way up to Sfax in Tuni- cal person. His life’s focus had been their boat “Sea Lion” has not been sia. David returned to the U.S. for on daily mundane matters related to found. In 1957 a monument was his discharge and studies. He gradu- his trade or working the land. As it erected on Mount Herzl in their ated from the School of Technology became clear that war was imminent memory. of the University of Houston that he encouraged his sons to join the prepared him for a career in marine Haganah and later on the U.S. Aaron Hanovice engine repair and maintenance. He Armed Forces in which they served In 1941 Aaron joined a British Na- subsequently volunteered for service as U.S. citizens. Without speeches, val unit and was stationed in . in Israel’s War of Independence. He he simply told them, “It was the right He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was among the U.S. Machalniks that thing to do.” served in Egypt during WWII return- brought the Yucatan (Noga K-26) Life in Tel-Alon changed drasti- ing to Tel-Aviv after his from New Orleans to Haifa for de- cally with the start of the war and discharge.Based in Camp Russell B. livery to the Israeli Navy and later work on the family homestead came Huckstep in Egypt for the duration served as its Chief Engineer. The to a standstill as the export of citrus of WWII. Camp Russell B. Noga (Kuf-26) took part in all naval fruit to Europe was halted and four Huckstep was a center hub of trans- engagements during the War of In- of the Hanovice sons went off to war. porting GI’s and war supplies dependence, including the sinking of throughout the Near East, Middle the Egyptian flagship Emir Farouk. Harry Hanovice East Europe, the Far East and the Upon his return to the U.S., David Harry joined the Northern Fence USA. He was killed at the hands of was involved in refitting and deliv- Security forces, a Police unit that an Arab mob in August 1947 while ery of two other vessels to the Israel patrolled the Lebanese and Syrian driving a truck in a convoy from Tel Navy; the K-28 corvette and the K- borders. When America entered the Aviv. 22 that became part of the Shayetet Second World War he enlisted in the 13 operation. (See AVI Newsletter U.S. Army Air Corps from Tel-Aviv David Hanovice of Spring, 2001 for the full Yucatan and served in Abadan, Persia. After After graduating from public story). David returned to the U.S. the war, he re-enlisted in the U.S. Air school, he worked in the family or- and made a career in the marine en- Force where he served as a career ange groves and became active in gine industry. Subsequently David Haganah activities. He was involved Hanovice (continued on next page)

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Hanovice (continued) served in the Tank Corps, Gedud 82. This is a “Beau Geste” story of our resumed sailing US Merchant ships In 1954, while, serving on Israel time relevant to many of the Machal as a US Coast Guard Licensed Ma- Army Reserve duty, Yitzchak lost volunteers who came from North rine Engineer till retirement at age the use of his legs due to polio and America and other regions where 65 during a continuance period of 23 was confined to a wheel chair. Tak- Jews live free and peaceful lives. years, serving in all Engineering ing account of the shortage of wheel- They found a way to maintain an Ratings all the way to Chief Engi- chairs in Israel because they were allegiance to their countries of ori- neer on a verity and types of US Flag imported, he started a factory to pro- gin while engaging in the creation ships , Oceanography Research, duce them locally. He returned to of the Jewish State and serving in Bulk Grain and Coal Carriers, Tank- civilian life to run the business pro- its defense. ers , General Cargo and Container viding employment in the commu- Si Spiegelman Ships. nity of Pardess Hannah and ex- (Based on material provided by panded into various other business David Hanovice) Yitzhak Hanovice sectors. In 1956 he trained as a The youngest brother, Yitzhak, swimmer on Lake Kinneret and par- Editor’s Note: Israel Hanovice passed enlisted at age 17 and served in the ticipated in the Paraplegic Olympiad away in 1966 at the age of 82. Today there are 77 or more of his descendants under in the in England, where he won the Gold living in the U.S. and Israel. War of Independence. He later medal for the State of Israel.

Yitshak Hanovice Harry Hanovice Aaron Hanovice

David Hanovice Sam Hanovice

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Middie to Machal: The Israeli Odyssey of Paul Nachman Shulman

If anyone can “bottle” historical research, the bottle worthiness of vessels. Soon after May 15, should contain a label: “Warning: historical research 1948 Ben-Gurion called Shulman to Israel to set up the can be highly addictive.” Such is the nature of my re- naval academy, in Haifa. The staff included former U.S search for a book about Paul Shulman, the graduate of naval officers Richard Rosenberg, Marvin Broder and the U.S. Naval Academy who in 1948 established an Saunder Finard, and British ex-officers Allen Burke, academy in Haifa to train officers for Israel’s new navy. David DeLange and Harvey Miller. Training texts in- After two years of duty as en- cluded the U.S. Navy’s gineering officer of the USS Bluejacket’s Manual Hunt, Shulman resigned his Himself trained at Annapolis, commission. He volunteered for Shulman often found it a chal- the Haganah’s mission to get lenge to instill the same regard Jewish Holocaust survivors to for classical learning in the Palestine, the Jews’ promised former PalYam (Sea Service) Homeland. students. “Paul would make a Of the estimated 1,500 Ameri- point about seamanship,” cans who served as volunteer Marvin Broder recalled, “and a Machal, some 250 were veterans student might reply, “Oh, yeah? that crewed the surplus vessels, Prove it!” purchased by cover corporations Shulman’s limited sea-going supplied by funds from wealthy experience in combat was no se- Jewish interests, which formed cret, recalls Richard Rosenberg. the “Jews Secret Fleet” of Aliyah “Still, he did a creditable job of Bet –clandestine immigration. organizing the navy…given the David Ben-Gurion made sev- opposition of the PalYamniks…” eral trips to the United States in Dual-hatted as the Navy’s Com- 1945 and 1946 to press the case mander-in-Chief, Shulman was for the state of Israel. When in Shulman with Ben Gurion not content to command merely New York City he would some- a desk. He took part in several times stay at a small hotel at 14 East 60th street, known naval operations. In the most celebrated, in command as “Hotel Fourteen,” which was above the trendy of Kuf-24, Ma’oz, he led a group of naval commandos Copacabana nightclub. More than once he was a from Shaytet-13 on a mission to attack the Egyptian houseguest of Rebecca and Herman Shulman – Paul’s corvette Emir Farouk off the harbor at Gaza on October parents – at their apartment overlooking Central Park 22, 1948. Although a truce with Egypt was not struck West, or at their elegant country home in Stamford, until 1949, it is believed that the loss of their flagship Connecticut. It was at one of these visits that “BG” that night was in Hebrew – the straw that broke the impressed the 24-year-old Lieutenant, camel’s back. (Junior Grade) that Israel could use a man with his J. Wandres engineering skills. J. Wandres is writing a book about Paul Shulman. Shulman’s engineering skills served the Haganah in He would enjoy hearing from anyone who served with New York and Italy where he helped ensure the sea- him in the Israeli navy or during his long life as a civilian in Israel. Contact Mr. Wandres at

7 WINTER 2005 - THE AVI NEWSLETTER Irving J. Block FELLNER’S “SAM’S QUEST” Honored and Memorialized PRODUCED IN NEW YORK CITY Rabbi Irving J. Block, who passed Irv Fellner, a member of AVI, who away in October 2002, was a veteran served in the Israel Army in 1948, now of the Haganah defending Jerusalem of Mesa, Arizona has written a play, in the early days of the War of Inde- “Sam’s Quest,” which was produced by pendence. He was a member of the The Theatre-Studio, Inc., of New York AVI Executive Board and served as City in December. Irv and his wife AVI’s Chaplain. He founded the Eileen were at the December 11 Brotherhood Synagogue in New opening. York in 1954 and then served as its “Sam’s Quest” is about a disabled, Rabbi and Rabbi Emeritus until his older man who is desperately seeking death. a way to make his existence meaning- The Brotherhood Synagogue has ful. His wife, Beverly, is bitter about established the Rabbi Irving J. Block having all the responsibilities of day- Irv Fellner Memorial Lecture as an annual pro- to-day living thrust upon her and con- gram. The first lecture took place in stantly demeans him. Sam is planning a drastic solution to his dilemma November 2003 with Abraham when he unexpectedly finds a solution to his quest. This is Irv’s second play Foxman National Director of the to be produced. The American Theatre of Actors produced “Bitter Herbs,” Anti-Defamation League. The 2004 a drama about a family conflict during a Passover Seder, in New York City lecturer was Rabbi David Ellenson, in 1997. President of the Hebrew Union Col- u u u u u lege-Jewish Institute of Religion where Irving was ordained in 1953. MUSEUM OF THE JEWISH SOLDIER A monument has been erected in OF WORLD WAR II AT LATRUN Irving’s honor in Israel. Accompanied by Colonel (ret.) David (Migdal) Teperson, a South African Machal brother, I visited the Latrun Armour Museum where the Exhibit titled “The Jewish Soldier of World War II” is displayed. This exhibit por- Yom HaZicharon trays one the close-kept secrets of World War II: “The Forgotten Ally” i.e., in Israel the Jewish People. Displays representing Jewish fighters who served in the armies of many countries (regular and partisans) and who made a major contribution in de- Wednesday May 11, 2005 feating the Third Reich, fill and entire room. One and a half million Jewish Machal Monument soldiers fought to free the world of Nazism; many of them distinguished themselves and were highly decorated. A number rose to the top echelons of Contingents are expected from the United States, Canada, command in their respective army and navy. This vast number represents France and the United Kingdom almost 11% of the total Jewish world population remaining at the end of the as well as Israel war. The casualty rate of the Jewish fighters was very high; sixteen per cent of the total number who served gave their lives. In the United States, 500,000 Information Jews served in all branches of the armed forces and 52,000 were decorated [email protected] for bravery. Sadly, the victorious Allies did not recognize this contribution to the war An American delegation is in effort. Instead the Jews were rewarded with a British blockade and a weap- formation. ons embargo as the Jews struggled to resettle the holocaust survivors and For information contact Ira create a State of their own. The story of the Jews from many allied nations Feinberg in World War II is a compelling one; of courage, dedication, and distinctive [email protected] service rendered toward Allied victory and the defeat of fascism. Ira Feinberg

8 WINTER 2005 - THE AVI NEWSLETTER Obituaries

Dov Mills: Exodus Crew and then Palmach Dov Mills passed away on the 23rd wiped out Hiroshima on his 20th of October, 2004, and was laid to rest birthday. Ever since, his birthdays in the cemetery of the City of Be’er- were mingled with sadness, as he Sheva‘, situated about mid way be- remembered the multitude who died tween Hatserim and the that day or carried their terrible “Old City”. His plot is on the same wounds for the rest of their lives. His path he took in his PALMAH jeep commemoration reached a fateful on the 21st of October, 1948, as a peak during the last year of his life, member of the 9th Battalion of the when a young group of Japanese Negev Brigade, which liberated missionaries for peace knocked on Be’er-Sheva‘. The Israeli forces his door. They visited him often and advanced from the West, from Kib- brought him much happiness during British Aboard the Exodus butz Tse’elim, passed Kibbutz his sickness. He told them about his photo from the Aronoff Collection Hatserim and attacked the town from experiences and feelings regarding different sides. Eight years after the “the bomb”, and that he had written gine room down below deck. On the War of Independence ended, Dov a poem about Hiroshima, which they way back to Europe, on board the settled in Be’er-Sheva‘, where he then translated into Japanese and “Empire Rival”, he served as a spent most of his mature life. sent to the Mayor of Hiroshima. A middleman between the undercover Dov was multi-talented, self-edu- reply from the Mayor brought Dov Haganah people and the British of- cated, and had many diverse inter- much excitement and some sense of ficers. He was also on an organizing ests: ; the sea, navigation, closure. committee that dealt with the fre- astronomy; the land, agriculture, A brief leave from the Army, to- quent problems of the refugees. Be- camping; psychology; and even wards the end of the War, brought ing a pivotal figure, many came to painting, poetry and short-story writ- Dov to Shanghai, changing his life know him: activists and refugees ing were all part of his life. He was entirely. There he met Jewish refu- alike. On board the “Empire Rival”, born in Brooklyn N.Y. on the 6th of gees who had survived W.W.II. He in order not to be recognized by the August 1925, to Jewish immigrants became aware, for the first time, of British as a crewmember from the who had come as children with their the tragedy of his people in Europe. “Exodus”, he changed his name parents from Poland and Romania. Later, he used to say that this had a from Bernard Miller to Dov Mills. He spent his childhood in Brooklyn, significant impact on his decision to Later, he managed to escape from the and, later in life, warmly recalled the help with the establishment of a detention camp at Popendorf, Ger- public library, playing handball in home for the Jewish People. After many, with other “Exodus” the streets of his neighborhood, his returning to New York in 1946, he crewmembers, posing as a member friends and, of course, his family. looked for a way to do this. Through of a soccer team. When passing Dov studied agriculture in the only Hashomer Hatsa‘ir, Dov heard that through France, he was the only high school in the city that had this the Haganah was seeking young member of his group to meet the course of study. As a youth, Dov Jewish men to volunteer for ‘Aliyah head of Haganah. He finally made joined the Hashomer Hatsa‘ir Move- Bet.’ So Dov volunteered to serve as ‘aliyah in January, 1948. After only ment. a crew member on the ship “Exo- a month or so, Dov had already vol- In 1943, Dov joined the U.S. Army dus”. The story of the “Exodus” and unteered for the PALMAH and and, after Basic Training, he was sent the agony of the 4,500 refugees has joined the Negev Brigade. He par- to fight in the Far East. He was sta- been told many times. Dov was an ticipated in battles against the Egyp- tioned in the Philippines and later in oiler during the voyage to Israel, and tians in Gaza, the northern Negev, Okinawa, when the atomic bomb spent most of the transit in the en- Obituaries (continued on next pg.)

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Be’er-Sheva‘, still a small town at living on it in the Tel-Aviv Marina. the time, when a job was offered to Not forgetting where he had been him - to head the Meteorological before, Dov named his boat “Desert Station. This station was located at Dream”. He taught himself naviga- the Negev Institute for Arid Zone tion and often sailed along the coasts Research (later named: the Institutes of his beloved country. Dov had two for Applied Research of the Ben- homes: one was the place he slept Gurion University of the Negev). and had his meals (for the last 15 Working among animal and plant years—his boat) and the second was physiologists, chemists and engi- the Aranne Library in Be’er-Sheva‘, neers, he flourished. Self-educating where he spent much time nourish- himself in climatology and meteo- ing his mind. Painting and short Dov Mills, Oiler rology, he reached very high levels story writing occupied Dov in his of expertise in these fields. Besides last years. His final project was to Be’er-Sheva‘ and Bir Asluj. Though carrying out the routine meteorologi- develop a simple method of naviga- he did not have a license, he was a cal observations, he provided tion, using neither a sextant nor a jeep driver and shot a machine gun weather forecasts for farmers all GPS, but his illness prevented him during the battles. His jeep com- over the northern and southern from completing this. About six mander was Corporal Mota Gur, Negev and participated in different months before he passed away, he later Commander-in-Chief of the researches that needed his skills and could no longer live on his yacht. I.D.F. After one year of fighting, at know-how in climatology. He also This was very hard for him. Decid- the end of the War of Independence, taught a practical laboratory course ing not to sell it, Dov gave it as a he was discharged. First, Dov joined on climatology at the Ben-Gurion gift to Giora of Moshav Habonim, Kibbutz Sasa (Hashomer Hatsa‘ir), University of the Negev. In 1964, who loves sailing, loves the sea, and but he left after several months. Dana, his third child, joined the fam- has “good hands” to make it sea- Then, looking for a job using his ag- ily. Dov loved his country, so dur- worthy and keep it ship-shape. Dov ricultural experience, Dov found ing holidays he would travel did not live to see his boat go back work at the Smuckler Farm in throughout Israel. Camping was his into the water. On October 25, 2004, Moshav Rishpon, where he also met favorite activity in the late sixties and Dov’s family, friends from the farmer’s daughter, Shula, who seventies. Dov’s mind was always Hashomer Hatsa‘ir, from the “Exo- had come for a visit from the U.S.A. stirring, always looking for new in- dus”, from Kibbutz Sasa, Moshav They fell in love, got married, and terests. Psychology caught his fancy Habonim, Moshav Orot, and from settled in Moshav Habonim, being in the late seventies. He completed the Ben-Gurion University of the among the first settlers. His son, his B.S. in Behavioral Sciences at Negev, and others, came to pay their David, was born in Haifa, when they Ben-Gurion University of the Negev final respects and take their leave of occupied one of the rooms in the and continued with an M.A. in Psy- Dov. May he sail the heavens in Crusaders’ Fortress. After two years, chology at the Hebrew University in peace! Dov and his family moved to Jerusalem. Dov always loved as- Received from David Baum Moshav Orot, near Be’er Tuviyah, tronomy. An autodidact also in this Condolences to where his second son, Ilan, was born. area, he became the beloved as- Dana Oumat In 1956, difficulties in land cultiva- tronomy teacher of kids from around Kehelat Solaniki 4/8 tion and financing drove him away Be’er-Sheva‘ for several years; he 69513 Tel Aviv from Orot. Having returned tempo- loved those kids and they loved him. rarily to the Rishpon area, he started Dov retired from work in 1989, af- Memories from Dov’s Friends working as an agro-meteorologist at ter 32 years of governmental service. Our chaver and former shipmate, the Meteorological Service in the Then, he returned to his lifelong Dov Mills(born Bernard Miller) Qiriyah in Tel-Aviv. In 1957, Dov dream—the sea. Dov bought a small passed away in Beersheva, Israel on did not hesitate to move South to yacht and spent the rest of his life Obituaries (continued on next pg.)

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Saturday, Oct. 23rd, at 78 years of ing was very much regretted by the talking about the use of the sun & age. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. he kibbutz members. stars for navigation. He seemed al- served in the U.S. Army during Our third encounter was in Beer ways to be working on a new method WWII. He was a crew member of Sheva where I joined the Negev In- & claimed that he was close to a the Aliyah Beth ship “Exodus” and stitute for Arid Zone Research. Dov new solution. was among those who accompanied was in charge of the local office of Essentially Dov was a loner. He the maapilim on their forced return the Government’s Meteorological was a free spirit that could not be voyage to Hamburg, Germany. The Services which maintained weather held down for very long in conven- Americans later escaped from the observation facilities at our Institute tional frameworks You felt this when British Zone while posing as a soc- He was responsible for measuring you spoke to him or when you read cer team and managed to make their the various meteorological param- his poetry We shall miss him. way back to Palestine (Israel). Dur- eters for Israel’s southern region and Yoel & Chela Schechter ing Israel’s War of Independence, transmitting them over the world- Dov served as a member of the wide weather network. I noticed that Palmach’s Ninth Battalion and par- despite very little previous training ticipated in the capture of Beersheva Dov was able to explain to me the and taking of Eilat (Um el basics of atmospheric physics & how Rashrash). He was an early mem- to decode weather charts. We spent ber of Kibbutz Sasa and Moshav many hours during those years por- Habonim. For many years he lived ing over weather maps & observing in Beersheva and served as a meteo- cloud formations. Dov fit in well rologist for the Ministry of Transpor- with the staff of the Institute. His son tation at the Arid Zone Research In- David is now a professor at the In- Dov Mills stitute. He enjoyed teaching chil- stitute & the associated Ben-Gurion dren about the stars, wrote poetry, University. and maintained a small sailboat at Dov was always ready to explain the marina in Tel-Aviv. what he was doing. Hardly a day We regret to report Avi and Batsheva Livney passed when there was not a group the death of Kibbutz Barkai of young pupils from the nearby high ISRAEL school eagerly listening to Dov’s en- Ida Chertoff 972-4-6387254 thusiastic lecture & patient demon- 90 stration of how equipment is used to wife of Encounters With Dov measure and predict the weather. Mordecai Chertoff I first met Dov (Miller then) when Especially the measurement of up- both he and I were visiting the per atmospheric winds by following New York City Hechalutz training farm at the flight of a helium filled balloon October 21, 2004 Heightstown N.J. I didn’t get much would attract a big crowd of kids. A of a chance to get to know him but I visit to his station was very popular do remember him as a very popular in Beer Sheva high schools. His in- We regret to report and likeable character with a remark- terest in people led him to study psy- the death of able baritone voice. He especially chology in later years. enjoyed singing Negro spirituals Our forth meeting with Dov was Miriam Gardner which was enjoyed by all. in Tel Aviv where we had gone to 79 We met again years later when I live after retirement. Dov still main- widow of came to Kibbutz Sasa .He had al- tained his connections with Beer Leo Gardner ready made up his mind to leave the Sheva but established a second home kibbutz so once again we did not in a little sail boat which he named Boca Raton, FL have much of a chance to know one “Desert Breeze” We visited each January 20, 2005 another It was clear that Dov’s leav- other from time to time. Dov enjoyed 11 WINTER 2005 - THE AVI NEWSLETTER Obituaries Irving Weingarten: In 1948, however, his lifelong Normandy Veteran dedication to the newly created State and Aliya Bet of Israel was about to begin in ear- Irving Weingarten passed away on nest. Answering a random ad for an July 25, 2004. Irv served on the overseas aircraft and engine me- Hayim Arloseroff, the Pan Crescent chanic, he found himself face to face and the Pan York. Irving was born with a recruiting agent for the fledg- in Flushing New York on May 23, ling Israeli Air Force. Before long, 1924 and soon after moved with his he was heading to Israel, where he family to Buffalo. His Jewish edu- spent 1948 and ’49 with 69 Squad- cation was modest and his family ron at Ramat David servicing Israel’s observance hardly went beyond Irving Weingarten squadron of three reconstituted Fly- High Holy Day attendance at syna- ing Fortresses. gogue. shot in the leg and arrested. Placed What made the whole experience Irv had served with the United on a bus to the Athlit prison he man- most interesting was his meeting up States Merchant Marine and was part aged to hide under a seat where he with Jim Fuller, a gentile former U.S. of the Normandy invasion during remained when the other prisoners Air Force aircraft mechanic work- WWII. Upon returning to the United were deboarded. In cooperation with ing alongside him on the “forts.” States after the war he met recruit- the bus driver he was spirited away. Fuller went through the same expe- ers for aliya bet. He was drawn to For seventeen years Irving worked riences as he did but, this time it was the effort more for the adventure as a bus driver for the New York City supposedly with a fledgling Israeli than out of a sense of Jewish ideol- Transit Authority. His wife Sarah Airline (that then did not exist). ogy. However, the sight of the DPs and his son Michael survive him. Jim’s parents, with whom he lived changed his life and his attitudes. He Condolences to: at the time in Cleveland, suggested became devoted to the Zionist cause. Sarah Weingarten he ask the advice of a relative in The British boarded his ship. In a 5801 NW 62nd Ave. #205 nearby Geneva, Ohio, who, they re- show of daring he attempted to save Tamarac, FL 33319-2227 membered, was married to a Jew. the Zionist flag on the ship and was 954 726 1401 The relative recommended Jim con- sult with a Cleveland Rabbi who knew something of Israel’s set up. Murray Kaplan: Serviced IAF Flying Fortresses Unbeknownst to Jim at the time, the Regretfully, our old buddy, Murray Kaplan, has rabbi, who recommended Jim accept passed away after a protracted illness.We will al- the position in Israel was Abba Hillel ways remember him as a faithful servant to Israel. Silver, popular president of the Zi- Murray was born in New York City on June 5, 1926 onist Organization of America. of parents who had immigrated to the United States Murray is survived by his wife, from the former Austrian-Hungarian Empire. Elaine Strauss, and two daughters, Despite never belonging to a Jewish or Zionist or- Shoshana and Bat-Ami, both of ganization, Murray considered himself Orthodox. He whom received their initial, pre-high celebrated his Bar Mitzvah and was proud of his school education in Israel. Jewish Heritage. Eugene Blum, AVI, IAF, 1948-’49 Upon graduating from De Witt Clinton High Murray Kaplan Condolences to School in The Bronx in 1943 at the age of 17, he Elaine R. Strauss obtained permission from his parents to enlist in the U. S. Navy “to fight the 828 Oakton, Apt. 2F Nazis.” He spent close to a year transferring from one aircraft and engine Evanston, IL 60202 mechanic school to another before being shipped to Guam, where he served out the rest of the war as an aviation machinist mate. 12 WINTER 2005 - THE AVI NEWSLETTER Obituaries

Sol Freeman: Mechanic with 72nd Battalion We re- for France on the Marine Swallow. Being the great mechanic that he m e m b e r Arriving at the Grand Marinas DP was, he was able to gather parts of Sol Free- Camp he assisted the residents with three or four damaged trucks and man with day-to-day arrangements and pre- build one that worked. He per- g r e a t pared them for aliya. He accompa- formed this service with the 72nd in pride. Sol nied some of them to Palestine on the Galilee. was a li- the Pan York and was assigned to a Sol’s first wife Betty passed away c e n s e d military base in Samaria. He was 25 years ago. He married Bea Es- mechanic assigned to the 72nd Battalion, trin 17 years ago. He is survived Sol Freeman w h o Company B and saw action a scant by Bea, a son, Brad, a daughter, s e r v e d four days after his arrival. He par- Aviva, grandchildren Norina, first in the Ordinance Corps and ticipated in an attack on a hill des- Rebecca and Veronica and a step- then in the Infantry Corps of the ignated as Tamara. Fighting there daughter, Marilyn Rosen and her Canadian Army in World War II. was severe and at close quarters and daughter Jessica. He was sent home from Belgium the Jews were heavily outnumbered His family and friends who loved in 1944 for training as a Flame by the Arabs. A bayonet charge was him dearly miss him. Gunner on Carriers. called for. The B Company lost a Condolences to Sol volunteered for the Haganah number of men and many were Bea Freeman in late 1947 and eventually sailed wounded. 55 Skymark Dr. #206 Toronto, ONT, 2H3 2N4 Canada

Wartime Humor—as Remembered by David Macarov In establishing the Codes-and-Cipher Section of “Zvi, this isn’t the kibbutz and you aren’t the work the Israel air force, in Tel Aviv, I needed tens of work- manager. This is the army, and you are ordered to trans- ers, not only to make up the random-letter codebooks, fer fifty people.” but also to work in each of the outlying signal stations “Okay, okay, I understand. I’ll stretch myself and give as well as in headquarters. Since the air force operated them ten.” in English (due to the many foreign volunteers), I went “Don’t you understand, Zvi? This is an order: Trans- to the head of the air force — Aaron Remez — and fer fifty.” explained my need. He thought a moment and replied “No, I can’t do that. It would denude my service. that there were hundreds of airplane watchers on the Fifteen is my last offer.” roofs on Tel Aviv and other cities, and that many of By this time Remez was laughing out loud. them undoubtedly knew English. He also said he was “Zvi, you are not negotiating a land sale with an Arab. convinced that the air-watch service was over-manned. The code section needs fifty people and you are to give So he called in the head of the air-watch section — an them over.” old kibbutznick named Zvi — and told him to transfer “Aaron, with my hand on my heart I tell you I can’t fifty air-watchers to the Codes and Ciphers Section. I do it.” am told the conversation went somewhat like this: In the end, we got twenty-five new clerks, and Remez “Fifty? I can’t spare fifty. Maybe if it is an emer- told me that was the best he could do. gency I can give them five.” Humor (continued on p.19)

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President’s Message scheduled for Sunday June 5th, 2005. website (www.israelvets.com), and (continued from p. 1) 6.Completing the first stage of the museum that he created at the 2. Furthering the archival work at Aliyah Bet and Machal Museum in University Of Florida at Gainesville. the University of Florida and encour- Gainesville, Fl. by September. The We owe a lot to Ralph for his un- aging members to donate or lend tentative opening is planned for early swerving efforts and his determina- photographs and documents. Further December, 2005. We plan a festive tion as well as his resourcefulness work in validating service records, reception for the inauguration with in raising the funds for the projects. and expanding the Virtual Museum participation by members and spe- We are especially thankful to the remains also an integral part of our cial guests. University of Florida, Hillel and the archival agenda. 7.Promoting fundraisers to sup- financial sponsors for their unflag- 3. Encouraging a mission to Israel port the archival and museum work ging support and to our Machal by an AVI delegation coinciding in progress gaining support from in- friends in Israel for their research with the Yom Hazikharon memorial dividual members, outside sponsors assistance in connection with the at Sha’ar Hagai. This solemn day of and foundations. exhibit material. Our story will be remembrance for Israel’s fallen sol- 8.Continuing the work of the documented and reflect a unique diers occurs on Wednesday, May 11, Speakers Bureau in providing AVI contribution to Jewish History by a 2005, followed by Israel’s 57th In- speakers to temples, organizations relatively small band of inspired dependence Day celebration on and community centers. people. Thursday. These are the pillars of the 2005 I salute my predecessor, Jerry 4.Expanding the West Point As- Agenda that I propose to the AVI Rosenberg, for his service to this or- sembly (honoring Mickey Marcus Board. I ask the membership at large ganization and I look forward to and the other Fallen North Ameri- for further support. Please come and working with our new Vice presi- cans) into a National AVI event with help. Contact any of the board mem- dent, Bill Gelberg, and the AVI appropriate media attention and par- bers to volunteer your time. Feel Board of Directors in serving the ticipation by Jewish schools, temples free to call or e-mail your thoughts members to the best of my capacity and community centers. The event and suggestions to me or any of the and abilities. is scheduled to take place on Sun- Board members. I extend my best wishes for good day, May 15. We recognize our Archivist, Ralph health and happiness to you and your 5.Participating, as is our custom Lowenstein, for his incredible families for the coming year. each year, in the Salute to Israel Pa- achievement with the Machal & Shalom, rade down Fifth Ave in New York, Aliyah Bet Archives, the AVI Ira Feinberg

u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u

(Wilkes-Chase continued from p 1) Cambridgeshire agricultural packing raeli Ambassador Zvika Gendelman Later, he passed an officers train- business. He met his wife, June, a presented the certificate to his ing course and was assigned as a former nurse and married in 1962. widow. Medicks said he was disap- bodyguard to David Ben Gurion. He They had two daughters, Vanessa pointed not to have known Wilkes- remained in Israel until 1958 and and Genevieve. Chase. He learned of his service achieved the rank of Captain in the Wilkes-Chase died at the age of 73 from his obituary in the Daily Tele- IDF artillery. Returning to England, in 2002. Stanley Medicks, coordina- graph. he surrendered to the authorities and tor of the British and European This article is based on a one that served a year’s detention at Machal, arranged for the Israeli appeared in the Jewish Chronicle, Colchester barracks. Upon his re- Embassy to recognize his contribu- London, June 18, 2004. John Rifkin lease he moved to East Anglia and tion with a certificate of apprecia- took the photograph of the presen- accepted a position with a tion. IDF Brigadier General and Is- tation.

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Book Review (continued from p.1) that I was previously unaware of. Ex- Markovitsky also refers to the resent- May 1948.” This doesn’t seem to mesh cept for those morsels, there is not ment of Machal among Gachalniks. He with the passage in his Gachal article much in it that most of us are not al- explains that their antipathy was due which states, “over 4,000 men who re- ready familiar with, such as references largely to the better service conditions ceived ‘service’ training and arrived in to ‘brand-name’ Machalniks like enjoyed by Machalniks, and was par- Israel … between February and Sep- ‘Buzz’ Beurling, Ben Dunkelman and ticularly evident in mixed units, such tember 1948, joined various Hagana ‘Mickey’ Marcus. as the mainly Gachal Czech Brigade units which later became IDF units.” How many of us knew, for example, and the French Commandos, both of Returning to Machal, he writes that that volunteers from Australia and New which included a number of “over 4,000”¡ participated in the vari- Zealand were initially considered as Machalniks. ous IDF and pre-state underground Gachal? Officialdom’s rationale was To his credit, he provides this astute forces. But instead of providing justi- that since they came to Israel on their explanation of officialdom’s ambiva- fication for that number, he states that own (recruiting organizations were lent attitude toward Machal, which he published Machal numbers are not uni- non-existent in either country), they wisely attributes to un-named other form; one source gives 3,000 as their hadn’t been promised any ‘special’ ser- people; “The military and political es- total, another puts it at “about 5,000,” vice conditions such as transportation tablishment wasn’t sufficiently truth- and still another, a book of his own, back home, as were their comrades-in- ful in its relationship to Machal per- puts it at “between 4,700 and 5,600.” arms from other English-speaking sonnel, ….National pride was a factor In the footnote he explains that “it’s countries. in the behavior of military command- not our purpose to study the topic of To this I can add that bona-fide vol- ers toward the volunteers.” Further- quantity in this article.” unteers from Eastern European coun- more, “ leaders believed, or It’s puzzling why Markovitsky chose tries, and there were some, had an es- wanted to believe, that they didn’t re- to mention those unfounded and wide- pecially hard time trying to be classi- ally need outside assistance,” a con- ranging numbers, educated guesses at fied as Machal. As Markovitsky points tention “strengthened by the ‘fact’ that best, that were bandied about over the out, perhaps the official attitude toward the volunteers yardu min ha’aretz (de- years, when the “about 3,500” given them mirrored that of David Ben- serted the country) when they left and in his own Machal booklet was built Gurion who regarded the Czech Bri- so there was thus no need to immor- on solid footings and is therefore gen- gade, which had some Machalniks in talize their assistance and contribution erally accepted as being a very realis- its ranks, with apprehension as being to the war effort.” tic estimate. a possible Communist conspiracy. The article ends with the indisput- As is generally known among stu- In another reference to Ben-Gurion, able but rather timid view that since dents of Machal, researched numbers he tells of an entry in his war diary many Machalniks came with WW2 were just non-existent prior to 1987. which shows that he saw the Machal military training and experience they Only with the publication that year of contribution “not only in terms of in- “made a meaningful contribution that The Jews’ Secret Fleet, by Joseph creased military manpower, but mainly enabled the IDF to create a regular and Hochstein and Murray Greenfield, did as an expression of Diaspora Jewry’s modern army in a relatively short pe- a reasonably solid Machal number (for solidarity” with the nascent State of Is- riod of time.” Aliya-Betniks) come to light. Other rael. It seems to me that we saw our While few Machalniks would find equally solid Machal numbers, all the contribution to the cause in a somewhat Markovitsky’s article totally satisfying, result of thorough research, became different light; more as individuals put- we should bear in mind that its appear- known during the 1990s, including; the ting our lives on the line than as Zion- ance in Kadish’s important book will killed and missing, volunteers from ists or representatives of Diaspora surely help spread the Machal message South Africa, aircrew personnel and Jewry. That may be why even now in Israel. Who knows, it may also reach volunteers from Canada. many of us are inclined to see our- members of the country’s establish- Markovitsky’s Machal article has selves, justifiably in my view, as be- ment who know little, if anything, considerably more footnote references ing a head taller than most Jews in the about the true worth of the Machal con- to original data sources than does his Diaspora. Perhaps it’s that very senti- tribution back then. Gachal article, but here too many origi- ment which led to our tongue-in-cheek Eddy Kaplansky nal data sources are masked by refer- definition of a Zionist back then, as a Haifa ences to his own works. But in con- Jew in the Diaspora who raised money trast with the latter, his Machal article from a second Jew with which to send contains several interesting morsels a third Jew to join the fight in Israel. 15 WINTER 2005 - THE AVI NEWSLETTER

Letters to the Editor…

The Eleanora Stratham obituary in perhaps, in common with several friends and relatives. Often begin- the last Newsletter brought to mind others I know of, he just didn’t like ning as little white-lies, such tales a very pleasant young lady from the idea of serving in a non-flying are known to have developed into Britain called Ella at the IAF’s In- position and opted for an IAF dis- myths that effectively shut out his- telligence Wing, and I was therefore charge. torical truth. And in instances where saddened by the news of her pass- The heroics attributed to him will the tale is based on an actual hap- ing. I was previously unaware that be seen as highly unlikely to any- pening but with a name-change, the she was then a married woman, and one familiar with the IAF history of identity of the true hero can be lost that her husband was an airman that period or with matters of aircrew forever. As former CIA director called Joshua Joseph. training. For one, that someone Alan Dulles reportedly put it, The first time I came across his trained only as a navigator, “flew one ”Truth has a hard time once myths name was some forty years later, of Israel’s first aeroplanes in Italy” are established that satisfy our hun- while researching and compiling after making “the mistake of telling ger for heros and heroics.” THE FIRST FLIERS, a definitive the Israelis he could fly,” is utter If other reputable veterans organi- work on the nascent IAF’s aircrew nonsense to anyone knowing zations can manage to keep their personnel that was later published by how much training is required be- newsletters clean of such history- the IAF Historical Branch. The fore one can safely take-off and land falsifying stuff, surely so can the document containing his name in- even the simplest of light airplanes. AVI. dicated conclusively that on Octo- And if one of our fliers was indeed Ed Kaplansky, Haifa ber 29th 1948 air gunner Joseph was “wounded severely in aerial combat” [email protected] in the IAF’s Aircrew Pool, essen- back then, such sensational and un- tially a roster of fliers either not yet precedented news would have u u u u u assigned to a squadron or awaiting spread like wildfire throughout their discharge. In none of the doz- the IAF. Yet there is no known docu- A number of Machal volunteers ens of other documents I scoured mentation of an IAF airman having served together with their wives. Yet, did his name appear, and to none of been wounded in action at any time some of the wives do not appear in the many former IAF fliers I con- during the 1948/49 war. While seek- Machal records, though they are rec- sulted was his name familiar. He ing clarification of that unlikely ognized by AVI as members. The fol- therefore appears in THE FIRST allegation, I was informed that he lowing letter speaks to this point. FLIERS as an air gunner in the Air- “shot down an Egyptian plane and Many of the wives of American crew Pool whose WW2 service, unit was shot down and wounded him- students were active one way or an- of IAF service and country of ori- self.” It happens that the circum- other (as were single girls like Zippy gin are unknown. stances of every air-to-air downing (Borowski) Porat, Rachel Lev, Thanks to the heroics attributed to of an airplane, both the enemy’s and Rachel Weiner, and others). How- him in Ella’s obit, I now know much the IAF’s, were properly recorded at ever, this was long before the cre- more about Joshua Joseph, but have the time and so are well known to- ation of Machal, and they were not no evidence that he ever flew with day among historians and research- later blanketed in like the men. My an IAF squadron. Since ers of that era. I have little wife stood on the porch of Patt’s doubt therefore, that both heroic there was only one unit (69 Squad- bakery trying to spot Arabs entering deeds attributed to Joseph are of the ron) back then with any need for air the New City. She also carried arms kind seen in that old Danny Kaye gunners, and there were more than to Motza, but when the war was over classic, The Adventures of Walter enough air gunners in the IAF to fill none of these wives received dis- Mitty. that need, it may be that charge papers or pay. Sexual dis- Joseph was among the many ‘super- Such ‘old-soldiers tales’ more of- ten than not originate with the self- crimination is not new. fluous’ air gunners who did great David Macarov, Jerusalem work on the ground as intelligence proclaimed hero himself, and are officers, operations officers, or in innocently propagated, and fre- Letters to Editor some other important capacity. Or quently embellished, by admiring (continued on next page) 16 WINTER 2005 - THE AVI NEWSLETTER

Letters to Editor (continued from p.16) Letter to the Editor…

I am a quiet member of AVI. I was Response from Si Spiegelman.. 1. Over the past ten years we have 3rd engineer on the Aliyah Bet Dear Martin: discussed the museum idea with ship Mala in 1948. Paul Kaye and Over the years we have been in major organizations. Interest was Sid Rabinovich may remember me. touch with the curators of the Mu- intense and promises were made, but I recently listened to a lecture by seum, specifically Esther Brumberg no one delivered. The problem was Dr. Louis Levine, the Curator at the and more recently Michael in funding the project. Museum of Jewish Heritage in Spielholz. They know all about our Now…. NYC , on the heroic role of uni- organization and where to find us. 2. Hillel in Gainesville offered the formed Jewish servicemen during Our talks with them in the past led space for the exhibit to us and even World War Two. The lecture was a nowhere. There were problems in designed the new Hillel House foyer verbal “walk thru” of a new exhibit their minds as to how we fit with to accommodate the display cabi- he mounted at this museum. After their exhibit themes, besides budget- nets. his inspiring talk , I suggested to him ary issues and more recently their 3. While AVI members provided what a natural addition to the exhibit focus on remodelling the floor where the modest seed money to start the it would be to add those USA WWII we suggested an Aliyah Bet Exhibit fund raiser, the sponsors/contribu- servicemen who served in the vari- be mounted. tors who provided significant funds ous branches of Machal during the Thanks for telling us about your are Floridians Israeli war of independence in conversation with Dr. Louis Levine. Other factors… 1948. Dr. Levine had already I will be more than happy to contact 4. UFL- Gainesville supported the thought of the idea but was having Dr. Levine and give him all the as- creation of the archives over the difficulty in finding Machal people. sistance he needs. There is no doubt years and signed agreements to I respectfully suggest that you con- that even a small exhibit on Aliyah maintain the archives in perpetuity. tact Dr. Levine and move this idea Bet and Machal would be an upbeat (Supported by a Machal endowment forward. Perhaps Dr. Levine could message of resistance, defiance, fund.) write an article for our AVI newslet- hope in connection with the holo- 5. Ralph Lowenstein, who has dedi- ter and solicit responses from sur- caust years. We have always felt that cated his time to create the archives viving qualified member veterans? we “belong in the Museum of Jew- and museum lives and works in Martin Silver ish Heritage”, but you understand Gainesville as past Dean of the UFL Lenox, MA that it is not in our hands and soon it School of Journalism will be too late as our numbers are 6. UFL at Gainesville has a signifi- Dear Martin: dwindling fast. cant Jewish student population It is always pleasing when a quiet I suggest, if you see it as appro- (6000) and a major Judaica library. AVI members speaks up. Thank- priate, to cc this note to Dr. Levine... In the final analysis the museum you for the information. We had Si . location becomes less important if some contact with the Museum of we consider that u u u u u Jewish Heritage through David 7. Displays will be accessible on-line Gen perhaps a decade ago. I am Gainesville Machal Museum… through the internet forwarding this to Si Spiegelman, A Reality Check (www.israelvets.com). now the chairman of our executive Gainesville ???????? At first 8. Mobility is assured by having rep- board. This initiative falls in his blush it sounds like a strange place licas of displays that can be exhib- area. for the Machal museum considering ited by other institutions. All they The Editor SZK all the fine Jewish museums and in- have to do is provide the space. stitutions located in our major cities There is also plenty of room for fur- that attract large crowds… ther enhancements if they care to The reality is as follows… participate in such initiatives. Si Spiegelman 17 WINTER 2005 - THE AVI NEWSLETTER More on “Machal Volunteers from China” The AVI Newsletter Winter 2003 contained an article entitled “Machal Volunteers from China.” Sello Fisch, a 1967 veteran, has submitted a follow-up article sketching some of the history of Jews in China, China as a refuge during the Holocaust, a list of individual Jewish refugees form China who have become prominent in American life and a vignette of Jewish volunteers who sailed for Israel in 1948. This last part of Fisch’s narrative is reproduced below.

With the end of WWlI the ‘China Jews’ refugee Negev. Michael Blumenthal, Secretary of Com- community dispersed some to the US and Canada merce in the Carter administration and Peter Max, or Australia while others went on aliya to Israel. new-age illustrator of New York. Colonel Avi Lanir Among the various Zionist organizations in Shang- (Lankin), son of an illustrious Zionist family whose hai was a contingent of Betarniks of Jabotinsky Re- father made aliya from Harbin China and whose visionists who trained, with three British Lee- uncle Eliyahu Lankin was commander of the ill- Enfield rifles, to join in the fight for independence fated ‘Machal/Gachal’ LST ‘Altalena’. He com- in Israel. In the latter part of 1948 the first contin- manded Machal fighter squadron 101 at Ramat gent of this MachaI group boarded the ‘Wooster David during the Yom-Kippur war. The Syrians Victory’ an ex US troop transport enroute on a two downed defending the Golan Heights Lanir’s ‘Mi- months storm tossed voyage rage’ and Lanir was cap- around Africa to Israel. The tured and martyred in Suez Canal passage as well Damascus at the promis- as most ports of entry along ing age of thirty-three. the way was barred to this An interesting aside of ‘human cargo’ (four-tiered ‘the circle of history’ is bunks in the cargo holds the adventurous life story were the accommodations of Gerhard Neumann, a and noodles and tuna the Frankfurt am Main Jew- standard fare), which finally ish aviation engineer who disembarked in the port of in the 1930’s serviced Marseilles. There they were German engines for an joined by a group of French airline in southern China. Gachal embarked on the Betar members sail from China to Israel, 1948 During WWlI he became Zim ship Negba, to its des- head of maintenance of tination the port of Haifa in Israel. Claire Chennault’s A VG (American Volunteer Among the ‘China hands’ and descendants of note Group) ‘Flying Tigers’ in Chunking. Among his ex- are Zerach Warhaftig, saved by Sugihara (the Japa- ploits was the restoration to flying condition of a nese diplomat in Poland who issued transit visas to crashed Mitsubishi ‘Zero’, which was the nemesis allow Jews to escape to Kobe and Shanghai), des- of allied pilots who desperately wanted to discover tined to be among the signers of Israel Declaration its nimble flight characteristics. After the war of Independence and long-time serving minister of Neumann came to Ohio and joined the budding GE religious affairs in Israel’s cabinet; on one of his jet-engine division where he rose to become its di- official visits to Japan he re-discovered Chiune rector And developer of the unique J-79 engine the Sugihara. Joseph Tekoa, Israel ambassador to the powerhouse of the indomitable F-4 Phantom and UN and director of Ben-Gurion University in the Israel’s indigenous design fighter-bomber the Kfir. Sello Fisch

18 WINTER 2005 - THE AVI NEWSLETTER

Humor continued from p. 13) AVI EVENTS IN 2005 We made up codebooks of random The year 2005 will be marked by four major events. AVI members are asked to strings of letters by painting alpha- take note and invited to participate. bets on poker chips, stirring them MISSION TO ISRAEL information regarding the program will around, and drawing them out in We are planning a mission to Israel by be mailed beforehand. groups of five. This was tedious an AVI delegation coinciding with the Note: Those joining the mission to Is- work, and in order to keep morale Yom Hazikharon memorial at Sha’ar rael and also attending the West Point up I usually asked for volunteers Hagai. This solemn day of remem- assembly should plan their trip so as among the cipher clerks. We did this brance for Israel’s fallen soldiers occurs to return to the U.S. in time for the work at night, and usually served on Wednesday, May 11, 2005, followed event (May 15). There was no flexibil- light refreshments to keep things on by Israel’s 57th Independence Day cel- ity in scheduling the West Point Assem- a pleasant keel. ebration on Thursday. Our plan is to bly earlier in May. We had worked late one night, and arrange for transportation for the atten- when I dismissed the crew, Sonia — dants from a central Jerusalem or Tel SALUTE TO ISRAEL PARADE who had just joined the service — Aviv location to Sha’ar Hagai and re- We will again march (or ride) in the turn to that point at the conclusion of Salute to Israel Parade down Fifth Ave waited until everyone else had gone, the ceremony. We are in touch with in New York, on Sunday, June 5, 2005. and then said, “I don’t mind work- World Machal about organizing a spe- For information contact Dave Gerard ing late. In fact, I don’t mind being cial dinner or lunch event and a visit to (631) 499-4327 here with you very late. What do a museum including also a visit with you say?” Israel dignitaries. Each participant will OPENING OF THE ALIYAH BET I said, “That is very thoughtful make his/her own travel and room ar- AND MACHAL MUSEUM and very helpful of you. However, rangements AVI will provide a sched- We plan an opening ceremony of the I think my wife would be annoyed ule (time and venue of the events). For Museum in Gainesville, FL on either if I came home too late.” information please contact: Ira Feinberg Sunday, November 6 or 13, 2005. Our Shock! “You are married? I didn’t (201) 886-1188, David Hanovice (201) members and special guests following know that. I have to leave now. 224-3551, Sparks Meltzer (561) 637- a catered brunch at the Hillel House will 5874 or Jerry Rosenberg (416) 787- attend the formal opening in the after- Sonia never volunteered to mix 7632. noon. Those members who will be in poker chips again. However, it was Gainesville on Saturday can join for when she was stationed in a small WEST POINT ASSEMBLY Shabbat services in the morning and an airfield in the north that I received a The West Point Assembly (honoring informal dinner in the evening. The phone call from the Military Police Mickey Marcus and the other Fallen committee members organizing the wanting to know about Sonia. It North Americans) has been an impor- event are Ralph Lowenstein (352) 392- seems she had shot the lock off the tant event for many years attended 6525, Art Bernstein (978) 532-6956, door of her room, and they wanted mostly by members and friends living Bill Gelberg (561) 278-7392, Sparks to know what I wanted done with in the immediate vicinity. We now plan Meltzer (561) 637-5874, Paul Kaye her. to expand the attendance to involve (718) 428-2465, Jerry Rosenberg (416) I got on the phone and asked her other regions and to include Jewish 787-7632, and Si Spiegelman (212) schools, temples and community cen- 685-8548. if she had lost the key to her room. ters. The memorial event is scheduled More information regarding the pro- The answer was no. Had she found to take place this year on Sunday, May gram will be forthcoming. trouble unlocking the door? Again, 15. For information, please contact any no. Then why shoot the lock off? of the committee members: Naomi Note: If you can lend a hand with these “I wanted to see if it really works, Kantey (201) 489-3809, Paul Kaye events, please get in touch with our like it does in the movies.” (718) 428-2465, Si Spiegelman (212) President, Ira Feinberg at (201) 886- I got her off that time, but the next 685-8548, Dave Gerard (631) 499- 1188 . We need all the help we can get. time I was unable to help her. She 4327, Joe Warner (416) 497-0140, Si Spiegelman was arrested for shooting dice be- Executive Director Sparks Meltzer (561) 637-5874 or Ira hind the cipher hut with a bunch of Feinberg (201) 886-1188. Additional

Humor (continued on p.20) 19 WINTER 2005 - THE AVI NEWSLETTER

Humor continued from p. 19) officers, while she was just a buck private. None of the nel in the American army (we called it “major plus). officers were arrested, of course, and I found out later After a few days, the hotel manager approached me, that she was winning a fortune. I also found out that explained that he had not been paid by the air force for they caught her cheating. That was the last I heard of the use of the hotel in several months, and asked me to Sonia. intervene to see that they would be paid. Two pretty, blonde, sexy young ladies from the States I tried to explain to him that I was not in the finance used to hang around the Yarden Hotel, which is where department, and that I had no real influence anywhere air force officers were quartered. Somehow — I won’t else in the air force, but he kept after me, eyeing the try to guess — they got hold of officers’ uniforms and evidence of my rank on my epaulets. When he finally wore them. The somewhat taller and older girl was re- understood that I couldn’t or wouldn’t help him, I found ferred to as “Hot Pup,” while the younger, more slender myself demoted. Not by the air force, but by the man- girl was called “Little Kitten.” They turned up at al- ager. We were shifted to a much smaller room from most every air force social function, and many times which we heard the constant noise from the street. when there was no function. Eventually, two officers Incidentally, the hotel had a nightclub on the ground were court-martialed for having taken them along on a floor, and the band would play loudly into the wee hours secret trip to Yugoslavia, and Hot Pup and Little Kitten of the morning. Remonstrations, pleas, official repri- disappeared. mands made no impression on the hotel manager or on When Jerry Renov and another pilot flew Frieda and the bandleader. Pilots would explain that they needed myself out of besieged Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, the first their sleep to be of maximum service in the morning, place to which we headed was the Brooklyn Bar, which but that made no difference. was really a milk bar. Crossing the street, we saw a Finally, drastic steps were evidently necessary, so by cucumber in the gutter, and bumped heads from simul- pre-arrangement a group of pilots visited the nightclub taneously leaning down to retrieve it. Food had been one night, and at eleven o’clock told the band to stop so scarce in Jerusalem for weeks that a free-floating playing. The leader remonstrated, whereupon twelve cucumber (so to speak) promised a treat. uniformed air force officers standing together took out Once in the bar, we ordered the fanciest concoction we their pistols, advanced on the bandstand, and explained: could find ice cream, fruit, whipped cream, nuts the “Believe us, the army will acquit us for whatever we do works. Just as we were ready to dig in, a young woman on the basis of wartime necessity.” dressed in what I can only describe as Tel Aviv high The band never played after eleven o’clock from then fashion, wearing jewelry and well made-up, stopped at on. our table and said, loudly: “How can you eat some- On a routine flight to the airstrip in Ekron one Ezer thing like that when people in Jerusalem are starving?” Weitzman introduced me to the field commander who Someone with us mumbled: “These people have just was passing. When he left, I asked the pilot with whom come out of Jerusalem.” I was flying about Ezer. She turned red, bit her lip, and ran out of the cafe. “A wild man,” he said. “He’ll never amount to any- I began wondering how people in Tel Aviv not eating thing.” would help the people in Jerusalem, until I remembered how many mothers used to urge their children to clean their plates because of the starving children in Arme- nia. When I joined air force headquarters staff in Tel Aviv Frieda and I found we had been assigned the penthouse suite in the Yarden Hotel, which we thoroughly enjoyed. I had the rank of Squadron Commander, which was the equivalent of a rank between major and lieutenant colo-

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