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First 1,500 Jews to Leave Cyprus Sine British Release Order Sail Aboard Israeli Ship

January 25, 1949
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The 4,500-ton Israeli steamer Galila today entered this port and began taking on 1,500 immigrants for the 12-hour trip to Haifa. This group of refugees, which includes 110 infants, is the first to be removed following Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin’s announcement that Britain will release the 11,000 Jews detained on Cyprus.

British troops assisted the Jews in bearding the vessel and in loading their baggage into the holds. A holiday atmosphere pervaded the entire operation, with the Jews demonstrating no resentment toward their former jailers. In the camps every tent and Nissen hut is Jammed with home-made boxes and suitcases in which freshly washed and patched clothing and other personal possessions have been packed in anticipation of the entry into Israel, goal of a voyage which in some cases began two years ago.

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