Eli Cohen

Eli Cohen

Israeli spy
Date of Birth: 26.12.1924
Country: Egypt

Content:
  1. Eli Cohen: The Legendary Israeli Spy in Syria
  2. Departure from Egypt and Arrest
  3. Rejection by Mossad and Civilian Life
  4. Recruitment by Military Intelligence
  5. Infiltration into Syria
  6. Espionage and Intelligence Gathering
  7. Discovery and Execution
  8. Legacy and Recognition

Eli Cohen: The Legendary Israeli Spy in Syria

Early Life and Education

Eli Cohen, born in Alexandria, Egypt in 1924, was the son of Syrian immigrants who had fled Aleppo in 1914. Raised in a religious and traditional family, Cohen's early education spanned both secular and Jewish schools.

Departure from Egypt and Arrest

In 1949, Cohen's family moved to Israel, but he remained in Egypt to continue his studies. In the early 1950s, he was briefly arrested and investigated for alleged involvement in Israeli espionage. Although released due to lack of evidence, he was eventually expelled from Egypt in 1956.

Rejection by Mossad and Civilian Life

Cohen initially aspired to join Mossad, Israel's intelligence agency, but his past arrest raised concerns about his security. After leaving Mossad, he married and settled into a civilian life, working as an accountant.

Recruitment by Military Intelligence

In 1960, Cohen was approached by Israel's military intelligence agency, Agaf Ha-Modiin. His exceptional disguise abilities and uncanny ability to blend in made him a perfect candidate for espionage. After undergoing intensive training, he was transferred to Mossad in 1961.

Infiltration into Syria

Cohen's mission was to infiltrate the highest echelons of power in Syria. Posing as a wealthy Syrian businessman, he traveled abroad to establish connections with influential figures. In 1962, he arrived in Damascus and quickly gained access to top military and government officials.

Espionage and Intelligence Gathering

Through his connections, Cohen obtained invaluable intelligence about Syria's defense capabilities, strategic plans, and military fortifications. He regularly transmitted these sensitive data to Israel by encrypted radio messages. Over the course of three years, he provided Mossad with a wealth of critical information.

Discovery and Execution

In 1965, Syrian counterintelligence intensified its search for enemy radio transmitters. Cohen's apartment was pinpointed, and he was apprehended during a radio transmission. His interrogation yielded substantial evidence, including a transmitter, photographs of sensitive installations, and explosives.

Despite international appeals for leniency, the Syrian government remained adamant in their decision to execute Cohen. On May 18, 1965, he was publicly hanged in Damascus. He met with a rabbi before his execution, sending a final letter to his wife and children, seeking their forgiveness.

Legacy and Recognition

Eli Cohen's remains were interred in a Jewish cemetery in Damascus and later moved to a secret location. His case remains unresolved, with Israel still attempting to recover his body. Cohen's life and sacrifice are commemorated with a memorial in Jerusalem and his induction into the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. His story continues to inspire filmmakers and authors, with the movie "The Impossible Spy" based on his exploits.

© BIOGRAPHS