Israels defense planners urgently needed reliable intelligence on the scope of the water diversion project engineering plans, diagrams, maps, and other data and up-to-the-minute assessments of Soviet influence in the Syrian capital, as well as detailed information on plans for the modernization, equipping, and retraining of Syrian forces. Eli Cohen was the man for the job. Cohen established his contact quickly, his letter of recommendation opened the gates to high society. Cohen would then send intelligence back to Israel using a hidden radio transmitter. They were caught spying for Israel in 1953 and some of them were hanged. Cohen was publicly hanged in the Marjeh Square in Damascus on 18 May 1965. His family is now settled in Bat Yam. In 1960, he was recruited to join the Mossad for a special mission in which he was to pretend to be a Syrian businessman returning to the country after having lived in Argentina. From 1961 to 1965, Eli transmitted crucial intelligence data, including that of the Golan Heights, to the Israeli army. In Episode 5, Cohen's playboy-esque Thaabet hosts a sex party at his apartment to distract key government and military officials while the Ba'ath Party's military committee seizes power in Damascus. He set up a travel agency in Tel Aviv and developed ties with the upper echelons of Israeli society, including politicians. By 1960, however, Israeli Intelligence was ready to take another look at Eli Cohen. His last wish was to see a rabbi. Hence, Nissim Andabo, the elderly chief rabbi of Syria accompanied him to Marjeh Square.. Fortunately, several were easy to spot, for they . But it . your father and uncle opened a textile store, but it went bankrupt your father died in 1956 and six months later your mother died too. While Eli was not directly involved with the Operation Susannah spies, he was involved with pro-Israel activity, and he was brutally questioned by Egypts Intelligence Services. According to his fictional biography, in 1948 the family moved to Argentina, where they opened a successful textile business. Kamal Amin Taabets (Eli Cohen) return to Syria would ostensibly be the fulfillment of a lifelong patriotic dream. they suspect on a tablet but they verify the Tibet's transmission two times at 8 am precisely they broke into the tablet home, Eli was caught red-handed in the transmission. He carefully cultivated contacts with the Baath leadership, which included the Syrian military attach in Argentina, General Amin al-Hafaz. Nine months later, in late 1961, Eli came back to Israel for a visit with his wife Nadia. Using Biton, Israel "fed" Egypt with false intelligence that reportedly contributed to the Six Day War victory. He died in 2009. (PMO), Sacha Baron Cohen as Israeli spy Eli Cohen in The Spy (YouTube screenshot), Mossad spy Eli Cohen, executed in Syria in 1965. On May 15, 1965, Eli wrote a final letter to Nadia, requesting her not to mourn his death and stating that she should hold her head high, as her husband had done nothing wrong. Diplomats, prime ministers, parliamentarians, and Pope Paul VI tried to intercede. His first assignment was to infiltrate the Jewish community of Alexandria. The Spy, a six-part Netflix miniseries about Cohen's life, showcases the legendary Mossad agent's relationship with his wife, Nadia (Hadar Ratzon Rotem). Foreign Minister Eli Cohen heads to Germany Tuesday as part of Israel's campaign to halt Iran's . "We have six grandchildren," she says with pride as she points to a family photo on the wall. What Could Possibly Go Wrong? "It was all for good intentions. Despite being away from home for months at a time, he fathered three children, Sophie, Irit and Shai. [26], Monthir Maosily, the former bureau chief of Hafez Al-Assad, claimed in August 2008 that the Syrians had buried him three times to stop the remains from being taken back to Israel via a special operation. He returned home to his family only a few times during his mission. His successes couldn't be vocally shared with his family, however. He then moved to Damascus in February 1962, under his new identity, Kamel Amin Thaabet, to extract classified information from Syrian military officers. Meanwhile, every few days he transmitted important information to his Israeli handlers via a radio transmitter he had hidden in his room. Eli was arrested but soon released due to a lack of evidence. What is perhaps most amazing about Eli Cohen is that he was genuinely liked even loved by so many of the top Syrian leaders. Eli seemed to have completed the final stage in establishing his network. Syria brought hydraulic engineers and diversion equipment to actualize the scheme. they carry out several bombings in Cairo and Alexandria, targeting libraries and cultural centers, cinemas, post offices. The melting winter snows produce a huge run-off of water which makes the Golan a beautifully verdant area in the late winter and spring and irrigates the Hula and Jordan Valleys below. "Suddenly something changed there toward us. A memorial stone has been erected in the 'Garden of the Missing Soldiers' in Mount Herzl, Jerusalem, to commemorate him. The goal was to gather intelligence from high-ranking Syrian politicians and military officials. children: Irit Cohen, Shai Cohen, Sophie Cohen Born Country: Egypt Spies Israeli Men Died on: May 18, 1965 place of death: Al Marjeh Square, Damascus, Syria Notable Alumni: Cairo Farouk University Cause of Death: Executed By Hanging City: Alexandria, Egypt More Facts Recommended Lists: Israeli Celebrities Male Spies Israeli Spies Capricorn Men On 18 May 1965, Eli cohen was woken by the jailer and fastened the noose, and hang up, the huge poster was fastened on his chest where his sentence was written in Arabic. In February 2007, a Turkish official assured assistance to Eli's family to get back his body. How is it that you dare allow a stranger to read a classified document? he angrily asked Saif. He genuinely fit into life in the Syrian capital, and he was never suspected of being a spy until almost the very end. tabet sends it to Argentina, where his friend dispatches them to Israel with a diplomatic pouch. [9], Cohen continued his social life as he had in Argentina, spending time in cafes listening to political gossip. He escaped punishment due to lack of evidence. He arrived in Israel on February 8, 1957. He was driven to the airport, where his wife Nadia saw him off. He continued his social life, spending a lot of time in cafes listening to political gossip. According to al-Gamal's version, he saw a photograph in an Arab newspaper at a newspaper stand in Frankfurt's train station that showed Amin Kamel Thabet touring fortifications on the Golan Heights with Syrian officers. But he refused). In January 1965, Syrian security officers broke into Elis apartment while he was in the middle of his escape to Israel. Intelligence created a completely new identity for him. Reports earlier this year said a Russian delegation had removed his remains from Syria in an attempt to bring them to Israel. Once registered, youll receive our Daily Edition email for free. [7][9] The Israel Defense Forces recruited him in 1957 and placed him in military intelligence, where he became a counter-intelligence analyst. He became a confidante of George Saif, high up in the Ministry of Information. Returning to Nadia is Cohens ultimate goal. Concentrate on yourself, looking forward for a better future! Eli could watch the entrance to the Syrian government officials' guest house. Eli Cohen was an Egyptian-born Israeli spy best known for his espionage work in the 1960s in Syria, where it was alleged he developed close relationships with the Syrian political and military hierarchy and became the chief adviser to the country's defense minister. In 2016, Nadia told 'Israel Radio' that former 'Mossad' chief Meir Dagan had asked the US officials to help bring Elis remains. The information he had been providing them for years was too good to forego. The agency concluded that Cohen had a high IQ, great bravery, a phenomenal memory, and the ability to keep a secret; but the tests also showed that in spite of his modest appearance, he has an exaggerated sense of self-importance, and a lot of internal tension. Cohen, the results indicated, does not always evaluate danger correctly, and is liable to assume risks beyond those which are necessary.. The unit bombed unoccupied American and British installations, expecting that this would be considered the work of Egyptians. In 2019, Netflix created the seriesThe SpystarringSacha Baron Cohen to tell his story. The Spy is streaming globally on Netflix. They observed a period of radio silence, in the hope that any illegal transmissions could be identified. He worked as an accountant and translator. [8], Israel's secret police recruited a sabotage unit of Jewish Egyptian citizens in 1955 which attempted to undermine Egypt's relationships with western powers in the "Lavon Affair". He was also allowed to write a final letter to his wife. Maurice isn't sure what this means. . It could not let Syria succeed and planning a response. Eli expressed his fear and wish to terminate his assignment in Syria during his last visit to Israel in November 1964. when you were three, your family left Lebanon and moved to Egypt Alexandria. According to Maurice Cohen, this really happened. Nadia, widow of Israeli spy Eli Cohen, reacts during an interview with Reuters in Herzliya, Israel October 6, 2019. . One of the most difficult tasks for Eli Cohen was to learn the intricate and unmistakable phonetic tune of Syrian Arabic; prior to his intelligence training, his Egyptian accent was undeniable. His trainer was an Iraqi-born Jew who had extensive experience training operatives in speaking Arabic and the traditions and Muslim customs. Spouse/Ex-: Eli Cohen (m. 1959-1965) children: Irit Cohen, Shai Cohen, Sophie Cohen Born Country: Iraq Family Members Iraqi Female Life with Eli Nadia (born Nadia Majald) is an Iraqi Jew who got married to Eli on August 31, 1959. For his loyalties, Hafiz grooms Thaabet to be deputy defense minister in his government. It, however, did not change the situation. The TV film 'The Impossible Spy' (1987) chronicled Eli's life. He soon established himself in the social and cultural life of the Syrian community of Buenos Aires and was known as a wealthy businessman who was generous, tipped well, and loved the night life. try to make as many friends as possible, and establish contact with Arab leaders. After some months, Abdel Latif Hassan introduces Eli to General Amin El-Hafez, the military attache at the embassy. But even after four decades, there are still many questions related to the Eli Cohen affair, some minor, others major - among them, the way in which Syrian counterintelligence identified the Israeli spy. Download our mobile app for on-the-go access to the Jewish Virtual Library, Cohen publicly hanged in the Marjeh Square, The Pedagogic Center, The Department for Jewish Zionist Education, The Jewish Agency for Israel, 1998 - 2023 American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise. While there, he gained the trust of Amin al-Hafez, who would later become Syrias president. The leading figure in the break-in was the head of Syrian Intelligence, Colonel Ahmed Suedani Elis nemesis. Melita Norwood | longest-serving British spy | Melita Norwood Book, Death, Family, Daughter | melita norwood images. Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion, Antoni Porowski Talks New Cookbook, Recipes and Tradition in Cooking, Netflix's 'The Spy': Eli Cohen's Remains Still a Mystery, How to Watch True Crime Series 'Unbelievable' on Netflix. He emigrated to Israel with the assistance of the Jewish Agency. Eli Cohen's son, Shaul, was only 2 weeks old when he last saw his father. His fathers name was Amin Taabet, and his mothers Saadia Ibrahim. As depicted in Episodes 4 and 5 of The Spy, Cohen aligns with Hafiz and the Ba'ath political party to overthrow the reigning government of Syria in March 1963. Israel attacked the project serval time later they abandon the project in 1965. Elis connections enabled him to be taken to the Golan Heights a major strategic asset for Syria from 1948-67. In 1960, Cohen was approached by the Mossad for a mission in Syria. The previous year, which marked Elis 50th death anniversary, Nadia had addressed a memorial dedicated to him. Likud MK Eli Cohen Federation of Local Authorities conference in Tel Aviv, December 8, 2022. Before he was executed, Cohen met with a rabbi, as per his request, and sent his wife a letter. Cohen was released because he was not linked with the underground. Al-Gamal was born in 1927 and aspired to become an actor. On the day of his execution, his last wish to see a rabbi was respected by the prison authorities, and Nissim Indibo, the elderly Chief Rabbi of Syria, accompanied him in the truck. [27] Syrian authorities have repeatedly denied family requests for the remains. Their youngest child, Shai, was only 21 days old then. As depicted in Episodes 4 and 5 of The Spy, Cohen aligns with Hafiz and the Ba'ath political party to overthrow the reigning government of Syria in March 1963. He worked as an accountant and translator. He became far less careful in his transmissions to Israel, sometimes calling once or even twice a day and almost always at the same time, at 8:30 in the morning. also learned to identify the type and age of tanks, aircraft, and cannons. the plan was doomed from staring, one of the bombs exploded in the pocket of Philip Natanson and was arrested by police and other members were caught in the following days. Al-Gamal rushed to inform his superiors that Thabet was none other than Eli Cohen, the Alexandrian Jew. Israeli foreign minister Golda Meir led a campaign urging Damascus to consider the consequences of hanging him. Again, I. Cohen's brothers Abraham and Maurice led a campaign to return his remains; Maurice died in 2006, and Nadia now leads it. . I think as long as Bashar Assad is in power I dont see the word progress,' she said, referring to Syrias dictator. [8] His most famous achievement was the tour of the Golan Heights in which he collected intelligence on the Syrian fortifications there. Where Is Nadia Cohen Now? Still, the memory of those domestic joys sustains Cohen while hes away. Egyptian authorities uncovered the spy ring and sentenced two of the members to death. On his last visit, in 1964, he told intelligence officers he wanted to come in from the cold because he was concerned a new Syrian intelligence commander did not like him. Eli Cohen was first sent to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to establish his cover as a Syrian emigre. Do you rely on The Times of Israel for accurate and insightful news on Israel and the Jewish world? He reminded me of my father sometimes, she added. At the beginning of the 1956 War, when Israel occupied the Sinai, Eli Cohen was detained by the Egyptian authorities, and was expelled from Egypt along with the remainder of Alexandrian Jews at the end of the war. It doesnt fit our story but I understand the situation. At the same time, Israeli officials devised escape schemes and appealed to international organizations. It went wrong, really wrong," he said. Since 1992, the Golan has been up for discussion in the peace talks, but it strikes a very emotional chord among Israelis due to its historic and strategic significance, in addition to its natural beauty. Daniel Sonnenfeld,55 years after execution in Syria, Israeli spy Eli Cohen makes headlines,Jerusalem Post, February 27, 2021). Did you spend your weekend binge-watching Netflix's taut thriller, The Spy? He was promised support in any venture he might wish to undertake, and the generous sums of cash which he appeared to possess appealed to the unscrupulous who thought he could provide grease to their financial ambitions, as well as patriotic Syrians who hoped for an infusion of foreign capital into the Syrian state. They further said that the use of the term "partner" is generic and is applied to all those agencies with which we have contact. Nadia believed it and went to see him off at the airport in 1961. While working as an intelligence officer offer him a job with high pay, Eli didn't say no and become a secret agent. The Israel Defense Forces were alleged to have used the trees as targeting markers during the Six-Day War, which enabled Israel to capture the Golan Heights in two days. At times before the civil war, the Syrians used Israels northern border with Lebanon to harass Israel the way they used to from the Golan Heights. HERZLIYA, Israel (Reuters) - A Netflix drama about Israeli spy Eli Cohen, who infiltrated the Syrian government in the 1960s and was later executed, has received a . Abdel Latif Hassan immediately wrote four letters one to his brother-in-law, two to friends in Beirut, and fourth to his son in Damascus. One of his friends found a new job as an accountant, month later he Marty with Nadia, a nurse of Iraqi origin. The newly appointed Syrian intelligence colonel, Ahmed Su'edani, disliked Eli. But an interview published in the Cairo Times yesterday with the German-born Weltrude Scheffeldt-Biton suggests that Egyptian intelligence played the most important role in unmasking Cohen. Eli Cohen was born in Alexandria, Egypt, on December 26, 1924. Saif calmly replied, Theres nothing to worry about. Registering also lets you comment on articles and helps us improve your experience. Eli's wife Nadia, played by Hadar Ratzon Rotem, has to deal with raising two children without her husband, who disappears for up to a year at a time without being allowed to tell her what he's actually doing or even where he is. He was stunned by the precision of the Israeli bombing during the 1964 attack. Haaretz.com, the online English edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, gives you breaking news, analyses and opinions about Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish World. Nadia and Eli Cohen pictured in the 1960s The 41-year-old was brutally hanged in Marjeh Square in Damascus in front of a crowd of 10,000 people, in May 1965 - and despite his last request to have his body returned to Israel, the Syrian authorities have to this day never disclosed the whereabouts of his remains. he goes abroad for business and meets Nadia and Sophie in Bat Yam. "I have passed your response to our partners and am waiting for a reply," said the agent. I had gotten under his cover," said Maurice Cohen. Israel could be the target of an aggressive attack by a larger, better Egyptian army that wanted to avenge its shameful defect in the Israel Independence War. Today, one can see the former Syrian bunkers that remain on the Golan Heights from 1967 (as well as the tanks from 1973). [34], The Israeli settlement Eliad on the Golan Heights is named for him.[35]. The condom was used as a timing tool for mixed chemicals and produce a minor burst of fire. He was taught high-speed evasive driving techniques, Weapons proficiency (especially with a wide variety of small arms), topography, map reading, sabotage, and, most importantly, radio transmissions and cryptography.