(haipo) – On Thursday, 8/5/25, a moving ceremony was held on the new Hulda Gurvitz Promenade in the Bat Galim neighborhood, to mark the dedication of the monument to the illegal immigrant ship “Aloa,” named after Chaim Arlozorov, a ship that carried with it a courageous story of hope, heroism, and love. The monument was created by artist Moshik Zorea.
Moshik Zorea – the creator of the monument:
The monument, established at the initiative of Dr. Sharoni Feldman and in collaboration with Prof. Udi Galili, commemorates the journey of the ship that made its long journey from Sweden through Italy, arriving in February 1947 at the Bat Galim coast - where it was captured by the British and its 1,030 passengers were transferred to a detention camp in Cyprus.
At the point where the sea meets the coastal rocks, near the point where the “Aloha” came ashore, a moving monument now stands to mark the dramatic and historic moment. The ship’s remains rest on the seabed to this day, and are a diving site commemorating the entire story.
Among the speakers at the ceremony were former illegal immigrants, their families, public figures and researchers, who shared their personal and historical stories.
Shoshana Horowitz, former illegal immigrant: “The journey was difficult – but there was a sense of mission”
Shoshana Horowitz-Cohen, one of the survivors of the voyage, describes the long days on the ship, the intense cold in the North Sea and the fear of the British. “It was hard, very hard. But there was a sense of mission. We knew we were on our way to the Land of Israel and that gave us the strength to endure the hardships of the journey.”
MK Benny Gantz: “My parents fell in love on the ship”
With great emotion, the chairman of the state camp, Benny Gantz, recounts that his parents – who were both illegal immigrants aboard the “Alua” – met and fell in love during the journey. “They had a love that was born between waves and hope. This is a family story, but also a national story.”
Yona Yahav, Mayor of Haifa: “We thank those pioneers”
Yona Yahav: “Bat Galim is the gateway to immigration. As a native of Haifa, I feel proud that this city continues to preserve its history. We thank those pioneers, who were not looking for comfort – but a home.”
MK Benny Gantz in a speech on stage: “It is our moral duty to perpetuate the generation of illegal immigrants”
Benny Gantz emphasizes the importance of the commemoration: “This monument is not just a memory – it is a message. It is our moral duty to the generation of illegal immigrants, who paved the way for the state that came after it.”
Dr. Sharoni Feldman: “I was moved to tears – a dream come true”
Dr. Sharoni Feldman, the initiator of the commemoration and the son of one of the passengers of the “Aloa,” said with excitement: “I stood here in front of the sea and couldn’t believe it. This is a dream of years. Not just for my father – but for everyone who was there.”
Prof. Udi Galili, maritime archaeologist and initiator of the monument: “The remains of the ship are an underwater heritage site”
Galili presents the archaeological aspect of the project: “The ship is still there, deep in the water. This is not just a story of illegal immigration – but a real heritage site. It is time for the public to also recognize and visit.”
Grandson of Captain Gad Hilev: “My grandfather decided to sink the ship – so that it wouldn’t fall into the hands of the British”
Idan Danenberg, the grandson of Captain Gad Hilev, shares an extraordinary family story: “Captain Gad Hilev – my grandfather – stood in front of the shore, saw the British, and decided to get on the video and sink the ship. He understood that this was the end – but also a beginning.”
The Monument – A Bridge Between Generations
The ceremony, which took place at the foot of the mountain and in front of the sea, was not only a historical milestone – but also an educational and social act. In an era when many of the illegal immigrants are no longer with us, it is so important to tell the national story – through the voices, memories and waves of Bat Galim.
A ship runs aground, not on video
Commemoration is important!
For continuity
For memory and history
If there was also an audio accessory with audio about the story and events of the ship, it would be perfect!
The beauty of an article
A very important act, and it's good that someone is still telling the story of immigration to Israel. The name of this ship was completely unknown to me, and I was happy to learn its story here.
It may be a coincidence that, opposite the monument, across the waves, a settlement was built (belonging to the Haifa Municipality).
Kiryat Haim - named after Haim Arlozorov.
His son, Shaul, was a lecturer at the University of Haifa.