In the Zionist narrative,the Haapala is viewed as a major defining chapter in the foundation of Israel. In fact, the meaning of the word Haapala in Hebrew is "climbing up" from a "low" to "higher" place, while the concept itself refers to illegal migration of Jews during those years. The purpose of the newly established co-memorization site was, according to the designers, to re-tell the narrative that they believe will otherwise be forgotten by the younger generations.