Haapalah / Aliyah Bet

Michael Getzowitch was sent to Auschwitz concentration camp, to Brig, Gros-Rosen and to Reichenbach.

In May, 1945, Michael Getzowitch was liberated by the Red Army.

Michael Getzowitch made his way to Bandol, and met Avraham Sikoral Harel, who was responsible for the food supply to the camp, where Michael volunteered to bring milk every morning by tricycle from the nearby village, and became Avraham's assistant.

Yoske Pinchuk Almog served as Palyam Commander aboard Nachshon haKastel נחשון הקסטל Tadorne.

In Bandol, Michael Getzowitch asked Yoske Pinchuk Almog, Palyam Commander of Nachshon haKastel נחשון הקסטל Tadorne, if he could join the crew, and he accepted.

When all the Maapilim were aboard Nachshon haKastel נחשון הקסטל Tadorne, Yoske Pinchuk Almog gave Michael Getzowitch the key to the hold that held the food and water.

Michael Getzowitch Gal cites "Once repairs were completed we returned to Bandol, and once again loaded Olim onto the ship. I think we took some 550 of them."

On April 26, 1948, HMS Pelican intercepted Nachshon haKastel נחשון הקסטל near the shore of Palestine.
Michael Getzowitch Gal cites "Two days before we arrived at the shores of Palestine we were certain that the British had spotted us, and tensions rose. We soon saw that we were being accompanied by several destroyers but they did not try to take the ship until nightfall. They used a strong force, and it did not take them long to board the ship. We Palyamniks had prepared a hiding place and put it to good use. Although the British searched for us, our "slick" was so well camouflaged that they could not find it."

On April 27, 1948, HMS Pelican towed Nachshon haKastel נחשון הקסטל into Haifa חיפה.
HMS Newcastle arrived to conduct transshipment, and Nachshon haKastel נחשון הקסטלl was put alongside HMS Newcastle, and transports, SS Empire Comfort and HMT Empire Rival followed.

On April 28, 1948, Nachshon haKastel נחשון הקסטל arrived in Haifa.
The passengers were transferred to Cyprus.