Egoz (ship) facts for kids
The Egoz (meaning "walnut" in Hebrew) was a ship that sadly sank in the Mediterranean Sea on January 10, 1961. It was carrying 44 Jewish people who were leaving Morocco to start new lives. There was also one person from Israel on board, who was a government official, and two crew members from Spain.
Only 22 bodies were found after the sinking. They were first buried in a Jewish cemetery in Morocco. Later, in 1992, these 22 people were reburied in Israel's National Civil Cemetery at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. A special empty grave was also built there to remember the people whose bodies were never found. A memorial stands beside the graves to honor all the victims of the Egoz tragedy.
The Story of the Egoz Ship
The Egoz ship, originally named Pisces, was on a secret journey. It was helping Jewish people leave Morocco and travel to Israel. This was a time when many Jewish families were moving from Arab countries to Israel.
A Tragic Journey
On January 10, 1961, the Egoz set sail. It was carrying 44 Jewish emigrants, meaning people who were leaving their home country to live somewhere else. An Israeli government official was also on board, helping with the journey. Two Spanish crew members were guiding the ship. Sadly, the ship sank in the Mediterranean Sea. The exact cause of the sinking is not fully known, but it was a terrible accident.
Remembering the Victims
After the sinking, rescue efforts began. However, only 22 bodies were recovered from the sea. These victims were first buried in a Jewish cemetery in Morocco. For many years, their families and the people of Israel remembered them.
In 1992, a special effort was made to bring the victims' remains to Israel. The 22 bodies were reburied with honor at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. This is a very important national cemetery in Israel. To remember those who were never found, an empty grave was also created. A beautiful memorial stands there today, serving as a reminder of everyone who lost their lives on the Egoz. It is a place for families and visitors to reflect on the journey and the lives that were lost.
