Haapalah / Aliyah Bet

Yuval Zisling cites: "During World War II we went to Atlit with our father and met the men of the Coast Guard, all of whom were Hagana men. We went to Caesarea and observed the short Palyam course being held at the time for “C” Company under the command of Uri Yaffe. This was the first time that I made the acquaintance of the three sailboats: “Dov”, “Rivka” and “Tirza”."

Yuval Zisling cites: "After completing our studies most of the boys in my class joined the Palmach, but I was not allowed to do so. I was a dairy hand needed for work with the cows so the kibbutz secretariat did not permit me to volunteer...In mid 1947 I appeared before Aharon Shtaltz (of blessed memory) and asked that I be accepted into the Palyam. I was told that there was no direct mobilization to the Palyam; people were chosen from the Palmach to go into the Palyam. I was therefore sent to a platoon of “G” Company stationed at Ein Hashofet."

Yuval Zisling attended Palyam פלי"ם‎ No. 9 course at the beginning of Israel's War of Independence.

Yuval Zisling joined the crew on Mishmar haEmek משמר העמק when she sailed back to Italy.

In June, 1948, Mishmar haEmek משמר העמק sailed back to Italy.
Yuval Zisling cites: "We went to sea with an all Jewish crew but none of us, except the officers, had had any experience...As soon as we hit the open sea we began to feel terrible, vomited all over, but continued to do our job."
Yuval Zisling cites: Mishmar haEmek משמר העמק San Michele went to sea with an all Jewish crew but none, except the officers, had had any experience.

Pinchas 'Pinny' Ashuah was in charge during the second voyage of Mishmar haEmek.

'Beni' Berkovitz served as Gidoni גדעוני, Wireless Radio Operator, aboard Mishmar haEmek משמר העמק on her second voyage.

Yuval Zisling served as Palyam Escort aboard Mishmar haEmek משמר העמק on her second voyage.

Shoshana Bentwich served aboard Mishmar haEmek משמר העמק on her second voyage.