The S.S. Pergamon, first German vessel to arrive at an Israel port since the Jewish State was established, anchored off Haifa yesterday afternoon. The vessel’s company agent told newsmen that the Pergamon’s voyage marks the beginning of a regular service from Germany to Israel.
Unloading of her reparations cargo of 1,000 tons of Iron began immediately. The ship was kept out in the bay while she was unloaded as a precaution against possible demonstration against the arrival of a German ship. It is reported that for the same reason shore leave will not be granted members of the crew. When the vessel entered Haifa Bay it did not, as is the custom, raise its national flag.
The captain of the Pergamon, Willie Shlers, stated today that “our two nations were enemies and Germany did the Jews great wrong. Germany cannot repair the wounds inflicted on individuals, but she is endeavoring to repair the financial damage, and now is trying to make contact with you.”
Meanwhile, the 7,000 ton Tapuz, a freighter built in German shipyards as reparations payment to Israel, arrived here on her maiden voyage. She was loaded with reparations goods, including all the equipment and machinery needed to set up a complete sugar refining plant.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
