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First Group of Immigrants Flown Directly from Germany to Israel; Stopover in Athens

September 22, 1948
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Forty-five Jewish DP’s consists of family groups today left here on a chartered plane on the first direct flight of immigrants from Germany to Israel. An additional 550 displaced Jews left by train for Marseilles where they will embark for the sea voyage to Haifa.

The plane will make a stopover at Athena and will reach Haifa tomorrow. The flight is financed by the Joint Distribution Committee. Plans are being discussed to institute a regular semi-weekly Munich-Haifa flight schedule for immigrants.

Four thousand DP’s are expected to leave Germany for the Jewish state before the month of September ends. An estimated one-fourth of the Jewish DP population of Germany will have left by the end of the year. A tremendous pressure is being exerted by DP’s on the Israeli consulates, with large numbers of persons clamoring for visas.

The J.D.C. is providing transportation and food until the immigrants reach Israel and is supplying them with sufficient clothing. A total of 48,000 DP’s has already been checked by J.D.O. medical teams in preparation for emigration.

(The Jewish Central Committee and the Munich office of the Jewish Agency have issued statements condemning the assassination of Count Folke Bernadotte and his aide, Col. Andre Serot. When the news of the murders was received here the DP’s displayed deep indignation. Several memorial services for the U.N. officials have been planned.

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