Altalena Wreck Discovery Revives Memories of 1948 Jewish Civil Conflict

The recent discovery of the Altalena shipwreck off the coast of Tel Aviv has reignited memories of one of Israel's most dramatic historical episodes and brought personal stories from both sides of the conflict back into public attention. Shlomo Goldahor, now 97, was a young Irgun fighter who fought in Jerusalem with limited and improvised weapons, eagerly awaiting the arrival of new arms aboard the Altalena. He recalled the severe fighting against the British and the desperate situation in Jerusalem, where the city was under siege and weapons were scarce due to a UN embargo. The arrival of the Altalena's arms boosted morale and confidence among the fighters.

Goldahor criticized the decision to open fire on the Altalena, calling it reckless and tragic, and praised Menachem Begin's stance against fratricidal conflict, emphasizing that "Jews today do not shoot at Jews." He expressed hope that the ship could be raised as a historical asset despite its deterioration after decades underwater.

The story also highlights Israel Sander, an Altalena survivor who lost friends in the attack and later fought in the 1948 War of Independence, suffering severe injuries. His daughter described him as a brave Israeli hero who proudly remembered his service and connection to the Altalena.

Additionally, the family of Benjamin Bobesh, a naval officer tasked with sinking the Altalena, shared personal anecdotes. Bobesh was approached by Menachem Begin for a keepsake during the event but initially did not recognize him. Bobesh documented the Altalena with his camera before it was sunk, and his descendants consider these images important historical records.

The Altalena episode remains a poignant reminder of the internal strife during Israel's founding, underscoring the painful but unifying impact it had on the nation’s history.