"They crossed the sea on dry land". The Jews of Libya in Italian Displaced Persons camps and the international refugee regime in the aftermath of the Second World War (1948-1949)

The establishment of the State Israel in 1948 significantly reduced number Jewish displaced persons Italy's DP camps. However, it also marked beginning an unexpected movement some eight thousand Jews who, between and 1949, travelled to Italy from Libya, seeking international assistance resettle Israel. This article explores reasons for which Libya illegally attempted reach camps, role Zionist organisations played this process, reaction humanitarianism ensuing emergency. It argues that a Eurocentric vision, intrinsically rooted refugee regime time, deprived fleeing status persons.