Remembering the Altalena

Small memorial stone of the "Altalena Affair" overlooking Tel Aviv's beach - hardly noticeable to most visitors

Wikipedia entry to the "Altalena Affair" is somewhat of a neutral (and some say devoid of the emotions) which the ship, loaded with weapons critical for the defense of the state at this time, really holds for many. Today a small memorial stone (see above, half of the inscription, in English) stands in front of one of Tel Aviv's busiest beaches. The rains and cooler weather the last few days is keeping sun bathers and swimmers away from the beach. But recent security concerns and knife attacks at the borders (and Jerusalem) are again a reminder of the long history of keeping a secure land.