Murray S. Greenfield

This is an unappreciated and little-known niche of history that deserves a wider hearing. Despite the opposition of numerous nations a hardy band of individuals collaborated to break through the British blockade despite the opposition of the world. In light of contemporary news, and widespread international support for Palestinian rescue efforts, this history makes a startling contrast since the world ignored or actively opposed the settlement of Jews in Israel. The Secret Fleet demonstrates the determination, will, and incredible bravery of those who risked all in transporting survivors to Israel. Many of the participants were not sailors nor particularly well suited for action and yet they were determined to save however many people they could.

Carefully culled from survivors and extant documents the history has been assembled into a compelling human interest story of survival against overwhelming odds. The author very carefully used what documentation was available while also interviewing participants to piece together a reliable account of survival.

One other account is worth referring to while reading this work: I.F. Stone (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I.F._Stone) wrote his own version of his experiences during the period in Underground to Palestine (1946). The most extensive and well-known work, although fictionalized, is Leon Uris' Exodus, at least partially based on an actual ship in the Secret Fleet.… (altro)

North American volunteers finally get their proper recognition for the part in the creation of the Jewish State. It is understandable that all that took place would be a State secret that had to be kept until the actual establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. And yet the North American involvement was ignored by all but the over 50% of all illegal immigrants that went to Palestine despite British efforts and the mandates of the infamous White Paper via these ships.

This book documents the procurement of the ships in North American with American monies and their American crews that were part of the Aliyah Bet operations. Though their officially were ten ships actually the number was eleven. But the eleventh though not overlooked sailed after Israel became a Free State yet was still an American endeavor of Aliyah Bet. These forgotten heroes deserve recognition and though it seems most of the original references were destroyed historians should continue to flesh out the sailings.

This is an excellent book that covers the important role that many Americans took to assist so many displaced Jews who survived the Holocaust in their pursuit to reach Palestine. After the first chapter a factual time line is given for the activities of these ships. Tells how each ship was acquired, crewed and outfitted and a summary of their transportation of Holocaust survival, the ships capture by the British and the disposition of the ships after the declaration of the Free State of Israel. Some of the ships become part of the Israeli Navy, their Merchant Marine force and the rest scraped.

It is amazing how these ships were retrofitted to transport more than their tonnage justified and how these unseaworthiness of these ships made the crossing ... some multiple times. Others only once! The British determination with stopping Jews from reaching their promised State shows the same determination the Third Reich had in trying to carry out their final solution. The British did all in their power to stop these overburden ships with their American volunteer crews. Sending all they stopped to concentration camps. One of the huge mistakes the British made was when they sent the Jews of the Exodus back to Germany and used the same camps as the Nazi's in their detention. How naive could a country be to public opinion that would follow such a move.

The organization of the chapters make for easy reading and a tool to aid as a frame work for further research. These crews and ships were helping the holocaust survivors fulfill what American People fought World War II for...freedom. Though the organization of these operations where the Haganah it was the American volunteers and money that allowed the enterprise to go forward in such a large scale.

To sail on any of these ships was a struggle that requires remembrance and documentation. As to the actual people and organizations involved they are documented in the book and I will leave it to the reader to learn about them their. The book includes some photos, front page stories of the ships, some canceled checks used and letters on letterhead. The back of the book list all known volunteers. It is a shame that this information was not gathered until forty years after these events took place and new information continue to come too light. Thus this new revised edition. Against all odds people with faith and conviction will strive for freedom despite the odds.… (altro)

The Jews' Secret Fleet is an excellent book and I suggest if you are a reader who is interested in Jewish history you should read this work of historical nonfiction. I was so surprised to learn of the role many Americans took in assisting so many people to make Aliyah to Palestine after WWII. It is fascinating to read each chapter of this book and discover how different ships were equipped, financed and sent to achieve their mission of bringing survivors and others who wanted so badly to be in Israel to their destination. It is a stunning revelation to find out how determined the British were to deter these refugees from achieving their goal. For refugees who wanted to find a homeland where they could be safe from persecution passage on these ships provided their only option.

I have to applaud authors Murray S. Greenfield and Joseph M. Hochstein on the way they have this book organized and on how well written this book is so that anyone of any age can enjoy this historical account of post WWII efforts to help those who want nothing more than to live free in Palestine. Aliyah Bet was a clandestine movement that brought Jews from Europe to Palestine by sea from 1934 to 1948. By reading this book, I finally understood what actually happened to those who struggled to reach Palestine by sea during this time period and finally lived there and celebrated the establishment of the State of Israel in May, 1948.

What I never realized was the large numbers of people who volunteered their time, talents and money to assist the refugees in the face of British opposition. The American role was very significant. Many of the ships were purchased in America and manned by American volunteers. The reader also learns of the important role the Haganah played in making this happen. Ships had to be bought, refitted to hold large numbers of refugees and then food and medical supplies had to be purchased and put on board for these passengers. Organizations like The Jewish Agency for Palestine and others also helped in these efforts. I don't want to give away the most interesting parts of this book by telling who helped and why, but I encourage those who are interested in Jewish history and in military history to read this book. Keep in mind that over 50% of the Holocaust survivors from displaced persons camps came to Palestine this way. Brave and determined they were heroes who persisted in achieving their dream to live free in a Jewish State. As a reader, you will really enjoy hearing about the way they overcame overpowering odds and you will also relish the wonderful anecdotes included in this book and be inspired by the poignant story of yet another chapter in the history of the Jewish people.… (altro)