IDF Locates 1948 Burial Site of Soldier Killed in Cyprus Detention Camp Escape Attempt

The Israel Defense Forces announced on Wednesday that after a thorough investigation by the Missing Persons Unit within the Military Casualties Division and the Military Rabbinate, the burial site of Solly Haimson was identified in Haifa. Haimson was killed by guards at the Karaolos detention camp in Cyprus during an escape attempt on the night of September 29-30, 1948. His family expressed deep gratitude for the dedicated and sensitive efforts of all professionals involved in this important mission.

Born in Romania in 1930, Haimson lost his father during World War II. He immigrated to Mandatory Palestine with his mother Ita and his partner Perla aboard the immigrant ship Pan York - Kibbutz Galuyot. The British Mandate forces intercepted the ship, and its passengers were deported to Cyprus. While in the detention camp, Haimson joined the ranks of the Haganah-affiliated defenders and trained to become a fighter for the future Israel Defense Forces upon his arrival in Israel.