Following the UN vote to establish both a Jewish and an Arab state in November of 1947, riots broke out in Aden, Southern Yemen, with 80 Jews murdered.
Over the course of the next year, thousands of Jews gathered at the “Geula” immigration camp near Aden. Conditions were harsh, as the camp was overcrowded and food was scarce. Many of the inhabitants died.
Thanks to some discreet diplomacy, the Israeli government was able to obtain the approval of local authorities to bring these Jews to Israel. The go-ahead order was given: Between December 1948 and September 1950, about 50,000 Jews were brought to the newborn State of Israel from Yemen and Aden (Aden was a separate territory under British administration at the time). This was Operation Magic Carpet, otherwise known as Operation On Wings of Eagles.
This photo was taken aboard one of the planes leaving Aden for Israel in early 1949. The Yad Ben Zvi Archive, part of the National Library of Israel’s digital collection.
November 30 is designated as a day to mark the departure and expulsion of Jews from Arab countries and Iran.
Source: National Library of Israel
