The Portuguese steamer Nyassa, which has been carrying refugees from Lisbon to the United States, sailed for Palestine last night carrying 170 Jewish refugees some of whom had been in Portugal for many years awaiting overseas emigration. The ship, which has been granted clearance by both the Allied and German Governments, will stop at Cadiz, Spain, to pick up another 570 Palestine-bound Jewish refugees.
The ship’s departure from Lisbon was marked by enthusiastic scenes and singing and dancing on the decks. The Nyassa was decorated with Blue-White flags. The representative of the Jewish Agency who was present when the ship left Lisbon harbor, was besieged by crowds of refugees asking for Palestine immigration certificates and for the organization of another transport. This was the largest transport of Jews sailing to Palestine on one ship since the outbreak of the war.
The Jewish Agency headquarters here today expressed appreciation for the splendid work done by the representatives of the Joint Distribution Committee and the Hias-Ica Emigration Association in arranging the transport from Lisbon. The Agency also praised the British Foreign Office and the British authorities in Portugal and Spain for their aid in making the sailing of the ship possible.
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