Old bus. Illustration
Photo: GPO
Britain wants its bus back
British museum eying old British bus sold to Israeli navy
Israel's Ambassador to London Zvi Hefetz received a rather extraordinary request several days ago from British Member of Parliament Louise Ellman, who requested that Israel return an old London bus to Britain.
The bus in question is currently exhibited at the Museum of Navy and Haapala in Haifa, managed by the Defense Ministry's Museum Unit.
The British bus dates back to the 1930's and was brought to Israel in the framework of an Israeli Navy acquisition deal with the British Navy. The bus features original exhibits entwined with the stories of the Haapala (illegal immigration into Palestine during 1934-1948) and the Israel's maritime missions.
The British company is currently founding a new museum documenting the history of British transport, and it is therefore requesting the return of the bus.
Sources at the Defense Ministry said the British bus purchased by the defense establishment in the 50's is currently exhibited at the museum.
"The bus was equipped with various systems that were used for training against submarines. As the bus was part of a battleship acquisition deal with Britain, the bus was transferred to the museum in order to preserve its heritage and the technological means associated with it."
The source added that the Defense Ministry had no intention of returning the bus.
