Well here is the link:
I have translated it below.
Too bad there weren't any examples in Europe, i guess this will be the closest for anyone on that side of the pond.
http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4925329,00.htmlTranslated:
After 70 years: Plane Iraqi immigrants in Israel
70 years after the first flight to bring the Jews of Iraq, will come to Israel this morning participated in the operation model aircraft displayed at the museum immigration and Atlit. Shlomo Hillel, who commanded the operation: "We did it under the noses of the Iraqi and British"
Audi Atzionforsm: 21/02/17, 10:14
"It was a breakthrough - the first air-illegal immigration operation, the most dangerous place in the world, under the noses of the British and the Iraqis," recalls Shlomo Hillel (94), an Israel Prize laureate, former Speaker of the Knesset and government minister, who commanded the operation in 1947 "Miiklbrg", which raised about 100 Jews to Israel from Iraq.
This morning (Tuesday) will close the circle of a 70 year old, when ZIM logging Haifa port will bring a plane Curtis 46C Commando - transport plane American model used in the operation, and subsequently gained widespread use even in the War of Independence by force Hauer young Israeli - mostly as a transport , and also occasional bomber.
Piloting the Jews of Iraq as part of Operation Miiklbrg in 1947 (Photo: Miiklbrg)
Piloting the Jews of Iraq as part of Operation Miiklbrg in 1947 (Photo: Miiklbrg)
The plane, comes disassembled, will be comprised of Atlit immigration museum again, and a new display center will perpetuate the operation and raising the Iraqi Jews and Yemen through airlifts, that followed.
For several years the preservation council, which operates the museum, looking for such aircraft worldwide, there is also a collection of aircraft at the base of Jacob Turner premises. "Out of 3,000 aircraft produced commandos participated in World War II, remain today only ten flight mode," says Moti Boness, a former aerospace industry executive, who runs the operation brought the plane. "We already found one in Haiti, but then the government changed and the deal fell apart. Then we got to 'Aoorts Air, Alaska, still carries four such planes," he added.
The plane had been dismantled and will arrive in Israel (Photo: Moti Boness)
The plane had been dismantled and will arrive in Israel (Photo: Moti Boness)
The American company has agreed to give up the plane held and not flying, completed the parts that lacked it, dismantled the wings from the body, and then, the operation funded by donors, he traveled overland and long days.
"Near the plane's put Lobby tell the story of aerial illegal immigration from Arab countries, and visitors will be able to enter the plane, see the reconstructed cockpit and sit on the floor of the aircraft, as sitting in the world from Iraq," said Omri Salmon, CEO of the Preservation Council.
(Photo: Evert Air)
(Photo: Evert Air)
(Photo: Moti Boness)
(Photo: Moti Boness)
Operation "Miiklbrg", named after two American pilots who carried him for 5,000 pounds - Captain Michael and co-pilot and Messenberg - all three flights to Iraq and Europe. They all took place while the British still ruled the land of Israel, and were conducted under real danger to the lives of those involved on the part of Iraqi authorities and the threat of imprisonment by the British. to reduce the risk of getting caught, the plane landed in a field near Yavneel, and an airport official and guarded by the Mandate authorities. tough commando was only one aircraft was able to land and take off in such conditions.
"At dawn we saw the Sea of Galilee," said former Air Force journal Rose Marble Almozlino late, later itself MK and Sarah, then a rising excited arrived on the first flight, which landed on Friday, August 23, 1947. "We started singing the songs Rachel, and tears flowed from the eyes. It was the happiest moment of my life. "
The operation ended after three flights. "Defense Command did not let us go on," recalls Shlomo Hillel. "It was feared that if flights are discovered, they jeopardize the planned UN vote on the partition plan. It was also clear that we are facing a war and Haganah wanted to take the plane to bring European settlement weapons needed him so much. Now we can show to the general public unknown episodes Aerospace illegal immigration and add existing museum the story of the rise of Middle Eastern Jewry "