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Peter MalkinIsraeli intelligence officer
Date of Birth: 27.05.1927
Country:  Israel |
Content:
- Biography of Peter Malkin
- Career in Intelligence
- Work in Mossad
- Notable Operations
- Later Life and Legacy
Biography of Peter Malkin
Early Life and EducationPeter Malkin, one of the most successful operatives of the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, was born on May 27, 1927, in the village of Zolkiewka, Poland. He was born into a Jewish family and later moved to the British Mandate of Palestine with his parents. Unfortunately, his older sister and her children remained in Poland and were killed by the German army before they had the chance to be repatriated. At the age of 12, Malkin joined the underground military organization Haganah, which was responsible for protecting Jewish settlements from British soldiers. Despite attending school, he actively participated in combat operations, demonstrating his natural aptitude for skills such as safecracking and handling explosives.
Career in Intelligence
After graduating from school in 1947, Malkin fought in the War of Independence. Following the war, he pursued his education at the Technion University in Haifa while simultaneously applying to the Shin Bet, Israel's internal security service, expressing his passion for adventure and a desire to work in intelligence. With the support of Rafi Eitan, one of the most experienced members of the department, Malkin secured a position as an operative. As a test of his readiness for intelligence work, Malkin was assigned the task of defusing a house rigged with explosives belonging to an Arab terrorist and cracking a safe containing important documents. He completed the mission in record time, successfully neutralizing two mines, one of which was concealed within the safe itself.
Work in Mossad
Starting in 1959, Malkin began his career in Mossad, participating in some of the agency's most challenging operations. Fluent in Arabic, German, English, French, Yiddish, and Hebrew, he was able to work effectively in any situation. Malkin's natural charisma often saved him after being apprehended: "I never left any evidence and I carefully planned everything. Look at me. I'm smiling. I don't look like a spy, do I? I was detained, and I told them: look, I'm an artist, a normal, peaceful person. I came here for sketches. I love people and do not perceive them as enemies..." Throughout his 27 years in the field, Malkin was arrested over 50 times, but each time he was released within hours after receiving apologies from the police.
Notable Operations
One of Malkin's most notable accomplishments was obtaining information about the development of missile installations in Egypt. During one operation, he cracked one of the most complex safes in the world, photographing all the documents inside and leaving no trace behind. Upon returning to Israel, he meticulously documented every step of the operation as requested by his superiors. Mossad agents still study this operation as an example of impeccable work. However, his most famous operation was the capture of Adolf Eichmann, the German criminal responsible for the deaths of six million Jews during World War II. After receiving information about Eichmann's whereabouts in Argentina through intermediaries, a group of agents, led by Malkin, flew to the country. In less than 20 seconds, Malkin apprehended Eichmann on the streets, immobilized him, and placed him in a vehicle. This was the only instance in Malkin's career where he used physical force. Eichmann was brought to Israel, put on trial, and ultimately executed after confessing to his crimes.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1986, Malkin retired and moved to the United States. He pursued his passion for painting, exhibiting his artwork in prestigious museums worldwide. Catalogs featuring his paintings and sketches were also published. In 1990, he released his book "Eichmann in My Hands," which provided a detailed account of the operation to capture the notorious German criminal. Malkin spent his final years in New York with his wife and three children. On March 1, 2005, Peter Malkin passed away at the age of 77. His funeral was attended by prominent Mossad chiefs, including two directors. Ariel Sharon personally wrote a letter to Malkin's family, expressing his admiration for Malkin's talent.
