The Parachutists

The mission of the Jewish parachutists during World War II  was one of the most heroic chapters in the Jewish struggle against the Nazis.

Organized by the Haganah, the parachutists were trained by the British in jumping and war tactics in Cairo towards the end of 1942. Two hundred and forty men and women volunteered for the unit. Thirty two were sent into action, including three women, and were parachuted into Rumania, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Italy, Bulgaria and Slovakia.  Those chosen had connections in these countries and were to serve a double function: as intelligence agents and as organizers of Jewish resistance. Twelve of the parachutists were taken prisoner by the Nazis - five were saved and seven were executed.

The parachutists made contact with resistance groups, helped Allied prisoners escape, gathered intelligence and sabotaged military installations. They also assisted in organizing Jewish  rescue and resistance activities wherever possible. The mere fact that they appeared on European soil was a great source of comfort and encouragement to the remaining Jews who were on the edge of despair.

In a short period of time the parachutists succeeded in breathing life into the Chalutz Movement of Europe and helped coordinate rescue and immigration activities to Eretz Yisrael. They tried to dispel any false notions the remaining Jews had about Nazi plans for European Jews. This was no less important than their rescue operations.

Enzo Hayim Sereni, who was parachuted into Italy and was executed there, stated: "If we want to live, we must be prepared to die and to kill, and to face lurking dangers. There are times when the seed of life is found in death and if  we learn to live and die properly we will never be extinguished."

Yoel Palgi, who was parachuted into Hungary and returned safely to Eretz Yisrael said: "My mission was accomplished. Perhaps it was not finished and I never will - since it is impossible to forget them - the living and the dead."
 
 
 

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