Mossad Retrieves Personal Belongings of Legendary Spy Eli Cohen

Israel’s Mossad has recovered thousands of items belonging to spy Eli Cohen, including his will and personal letters, marking 60 years since his execution. The operation involved collaboration with another intelligence agency and highlighted Cohen’s historical impact on Israel, particularly regarding the 1967 Six-Day War.

In a significant development, Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency has recovered thousands of personal documents and belongings belonging to famed spy Eli Cohen, 60 years after his execution in Syria. This announcement was made on Sunday, which marks the anniversary of Cohen’s public hanging in Damascus on May 18, 1965. The operation to retrieve these items was described as clandestine and intricate, executed in collaboration with a strategic partner intelligence agency.

Among the treasures returned to Israel is Cohen’s original handwritten will, written just hours prior to his execution, as well as personal letters directed to his family back in Israel. Other materials seized include forged documents, passports, keys belonging to his Damascus residence, and photographs showcasing Cohen alongside prominent Syrian military leaders during his undercover mission in the 1960s.

Sunday’s ceremony saw some of these recovered items presented to Nadia Cohen, Eli Cohen’s widow. The event was graced by the presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Director David Barnea, highlighting the importance of this occasion.

The retrieved archive also features Syrian intelligence files accumulated following Cohen’s arrest in January 1965. These include investigatory records, surveillance notes, and notebooks found at his residence, alongside documents indicating Mossad mission objectives such as the tracking of targeted individuals and collecting intelligence on Syrian military operations in the Golan Heights.

A particularly notable document recovered was the original court ruling that condemned Cohen to death. This included a clause stating that the chief rabbi of the Jewish community in Damascus, Nissim Andabo, was authorized to accompany Cohen as per Jewish customs at the time.

Prime Minister Netanyahu described Eli Cohen as “a legend,” underscoring that his contributions were pivotal in shaping the events of the 1967 Six-Day War. “The Eli Cohen archive, brought here through a special effort, will educate generations and reflects our unceasing commitment to return all of our missing, captives and hostages,” he stated.

Mossad Director Barnea referred to this recovery as “a significant achievement with deep moral and historical value.” He also emphasized that efforts to locate Cohen’s burial place in Syria are still underway. “We will continue working to bring home all of Israel’s missing, fallen and abducted—those who live, for rehabilitation, and those who fell, for burial in Israel,” Barnea affirmed.

In summary, the retrieval of Eli Cohen’s personal effects marks a noteworthy chapter in the history of Israeli intelligence. This operation not only provides closure for the family of Cohen, but also underscores Israel’s steadfast commitment to recovering its missing citizens. The retrieved artifacts, including personal letters and his will, offer a poignant glimpse into the life of a man whose legacy continues to shape Israeli national identity. The Mossad’s efforts reflect both historical and moral imperatives, ensuring that Cohen’s contributions will resonate through generations.

Original Source: www.ynetnews.com