"Remember Altalena, its Weapons and Fighters" – Illustrated Poster

"Remember Altalena, its Weapons and Fighters" – Illustrated Poster
Zechor et Altalena Al Nishka VeHayale'a [Hebrew: Remember Altalena, its Weapons and Fighters], illustrated poster. No indication of illustrator or printer, [ca.1949].
Fine illustration depicting the ship "Altalena" at sea. Printed in red, blue and black. The poster was printed, most probably, on behalf of Herut Movement, following the attack on "Altalena" off the Tel-Aviv shore.
"Altalena", named after the pseudonym of Ze'ev Jabotinsky, was purchased in the United States in the summer of 1947 by the "Hebrew committee for the Liberation of the Nation". At first the ship was meant for illegal immigrants to Eretz Israel but later on it was decided to load it with weapons as well. In June, 1948, the ship sailed to the shores of Israel with 900 immigrants and significant quantities of military equipment. In the meantime IDF was established and the Etzel was dismantled. Prior to Altalena's arrival there were extreme disputes between Etzel leadership and the Government of Israel. Etzel representatives insisted that the weapons and military equipment on the ship be dispatched to Etzel units which fought with the IDF and to Etzel battalions in the Jerusalem area (where Etzel was independent and not part of IDF), however the government required that military equipment be transferred solely to the IDF.
When “Altalena” arrived at the Kfar Vitkin shore, on June 20, 1948, the Alexandroni Division surrounded the area and Etzel members were ordered to hand over the weapons unloaded from the ship to IDF authorities. Etzel refusal to this demand was followed by exchange of fire between IDF and Etzel, and the ship left the shore and sailed to Tel-Aviv. Upon arrival at the Tel-Aviv coastline, on June 22, the fighting between IDF and Etzel resumed and the ship was hit and caught fire. The “Altalena” affair led to intensive disagreements and public debates and years later, there are still different versions regarding the exact turn of events.
50X70 cm. Good condition. Folding marks and creases. Some foxing. Some tears at margins. Three corners are missing, restored. Mounted on acid-free paper.