Once the visas were received, the Rebbe and the Rebbitzin were to proceed to Portugal where they would depart for the U.S. Procuring transit visas from France to Portugal was also somewhat of a challenge, but ultimately they were obtained.

When the Rebbe and the Rebbitzin arrived in Portugal and were about to board the ship for the U.S., they received an urgent telegram from the Previous Rebbe. The short and startling message was: "Do not board the ship."

Without the slightest hesitation, the Rebbe cancelled their reservations and waited for further instructions. Later, it was discovered that the ship had been captured by the Italian Navy and its passengers detained until the end of the war.

One chassid remarked: "In my eyes, the most fascinating aspect of this incident is not the farsightedness of the Previous Rebbe, but the Rebbe's unquestioning acceptance of his directive. There was no way he could have known whether there would be another ship to the States or whether he would be able to arrange passage on it. Nevertheless, he heeded his father-in-law's instructions without a trace of doubt."

Afterwards, efforts were made to find new tickets. This was also a difficulty because the war had caused a reduction in passenger travel. Moreover, the Nazi U-boats had attacked many transatlantic ships and numerous sailings had been cancelled. Spaces on a ship were thus very difficult to find.

Thanks to unique Divine providence, this hurdle was also overcome. R. Mordechai Bistritsky had two tickets that he had purchased for his in-laws. They, however, had been denied transit visas to Portugal and would not be able to make the journey. Mindful of the Previous Rebbe's concern for his son-in-law, he offered to give him the tickets. And so, on the 17th of Sivan, the Rebbe and the Rebbitzin departed Europe on board the Sorpa Pinta.

The voyage was very dangerous, for the German navy pursued the ship and fired upon it. Thank G-d, it was not harmed. Eleven days later the ship docked in the U.S.