The first to leave our tight-knit clan was Ben. The protracted formalities he had to complete before being able to enter Australia finally came to an end. He also passed his medical examination with flying colors. The HIAS could now finally arrange a departure day. Even that took time because he had to wait for a ship sailing to Australia. Remember, these were the fifties; people mostly travelled by ship.

I lost count as to the number of times we wished him good luck. As well, at least once a day, we reminded him to write and tell us about his life in his new country.

Rosa spoiled him, and, supposedly behind the back of the owners, cooked him some of his favorite meals. Celio, Paolo, and Domenico told him that they’ll never forget him. And they meant it.

Many of Il Torinesi guests visited him at La Veloce numerous times. Since Ben could have stayed at Torinesi, they kidded him more than once: “You mean we weren’t good enough for you!” Those who were going to Australia told him that they would see him soon. However, that was unlikely, since he was going to Melbourne and most of them were going to Sydney.

And then, it was the night before his departure. We talked with him until the wee hours. Kisses, hugs, and tears rained on him.

On the departure day, most of us were, unfortunately, busy. But Dorette and André went with him to the port, and didn’t leave until the ship was sailing out of the harbor.

The last thing Dorette yelled at him was: “Don’t forget to write.” Over the din she heard him yell back: “I will. I will.”

But we never heard from him again!

According to my calculations, Ben today would be an old gentleman of 86, if he is still alive!

And so it was during the Second Exodus. We met, cared for each other, and separated. Really, the Second Exodus had some similarities to the First Exodus: The Jewish people meeting adversity with confidence, for they knew that ultimately they would come out triumphant.

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