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Eli Cohen: The Mossad's Master Spy

Saturday, July 23, 2022

Krav Maga and Self Defense Blog/History/Eli Cohen: The Mossad's Master Spy

Eli Cohen: The Mossad's Master Spy

Eliyahu "Eli" Ben-Shaul Cohen was born in December 6, 1924 in Alexandria, Egypt. He lived there with his parents and three brothers until they left for Israel in 1949, leaving Eli there to complete a degree in electronics and to coordinate Jewish and Zionist activities.

After fleeing Egypt in 1956, Eli emigrated to Israel with the help of The Jewish Agency For Israel where he was then recruited by the IDF and became a counter-intelligence analyst.

Though Eli was previously rejected by The Mossad, he was recruited by the organization in 1961 after Director-General Meir Amit, came across his file when looking for a special agent to infiltrate the Syrian government.

He moved to Damascus in February 1962 and went undercover using the alias Kamel Amin Thaabet. During his operation he developed close relationships with the Syrian political and military hierarchy, and became the chief adviser to the Minister of Defense. Eli was able to provide an extensive amount of intelligence to the Israeli Army between 1961 and 1965, before being found out by Syrian Officials.

He was then repeatedly interrogated and tortured before his public execution on May 18, 1965. His remains have never been returned to his family.

​To this day Eli Cohen is a national hero in Israel, and has many streets and neighborhoods named after him.

The Spy is a must see mini-series as it's inspired by the history of the real life spy, Eli Cohen, who goes undercover in Syria and eventually changes the course of Israeli history. If you love history and intrigue, you'll enjoy all 6 episodes.

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Hi, I'm Paul Simoes

Co-Founder Of My Krav Life

I’ve been knee-deep in martial arts my whole life, and My Krav Life is where I spill the beans on how to keep yourself—and your loved ones—safe in this wild world.

When I’m not busy teaching or typing away, you’ll find me wrangling my five kids or juggling my various businesses.

​My mission? To turn everyday folks into the ultimate sheepdogs of their community. Plus, I might throw in a dad joke or two—consider yourself warned!