Eli Cohen: The Most Legendary Israeli Spy | History of Israel Explained | Unpacked

Did you know that one of the Jewish People’s greatest heroes was an Israeli spy who went by the name of Kamel Amin Thaabet? It sounds unlikely, but this was actually the pseudonym of Mossad agent extraordinaire Eli Cohen who infiltrated the Syrian power elite in the 1960s and used his privileged position to send confidential plans about the country’s military and government back to Israel. His story was even turned into a show by Netflix called The Spy.

Pretty cool. But how did Eli Cohen become Kamel Amin Thaabet? How did his dangerous work help Israel and what led to his identity finally being revealed?

In the latest instalment of History of Israel Explained, we bring you the story of the talented Israeli spy who put his country’s safety and security ahead of his own - even though he knew it could ultimately cost him his life.

What do you think of the story of Eli Cohen? Have you ever thought about just how far someone should be expected to go to protect their homeland or what individuals should be expected to sacrifice for their nation - or even if the nation comes ahead of the individual. Let us know what you think of this question in the comments below.

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Correction: 02:25, Then Mossad Director was Isser Har'el, not Meir Amit.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:27 The Mossad
01:22 Who was Eli Cohen?
02:24 How Eli Cohen was recruited to the Mossad
02:54 Eli Cohen's spy training
03:40 Intelligence gathering activities in Argentina
04:22 Transmitting top secret information in Syria to Israel
06:49 Eli Cohen's concerns over mistrust among Syrian leadership
07:14 The arrest of Eli Cohen
08:20 The execution of Eli Cohen
08:41 Israeli attempts to return the body to Israel
09:13 Remembering Eli Cohen, "Our Man in Damascus"
10:27 Outro

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Let’s connect:

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Photo/Video Credit:
- Central Zionist Archives
- GPO/Moshe Milner/Yosef Eldan/Yaacov Sa'ar/Chanania Hermann/David Eldan/Ilan Bruner/David Rubinger

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS:

Executive Producers:
- Shevi Peters
- Adam Milstein

Platinum Level:
- Rachel & Jack ז”ל Gindi Family Foundation
- Meryl and Sam Solomon, Beit Zayit
- Lily and Kam Babaoff
- Dr. Shmuel and Evelyn Katz

This series would not be possible without the generous support of:
- The Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation
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About History of Israel Explained: This series casts a new perspective on the history of the modern State of Israel, both pre and post 1948. We explore the inspiring highs and heartbreaking lows, and the everyday struggles of ordinary people. Understand how the Jewish State came to be by meeting prominent Zionist figures and learning about key historical events. Explore aspects of Israeli society, from its famous military to the meaning of the national anthem, and more.

About Unpacked: We provide nuanced insights by unpacking all things Jewish. People are complex and complicated — yet we’re constantly being pushed to oversimplify our world. At Unpacked we know that being complex makes us more interesting. Because of this, we break the world down with nuance and insight to drive your curiosity and challenge your thinking.

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[yashtendulkar]

If eli cohen wasn't caught we wouldn't know such a person existed

[claucemicro]

The first time I tried to watch The Spy, I couldn’t separate Eli from Sacha’s characters, so I didn’t finish the second episode. Time passed and a relative told me enthusiastically that the series was great and the acting too. So, I gave it a second chance and I’m happy I did because it captures you and Sacha does justice to Eli’s story.

[HananyaNaftali]

*We shall never forget the legacy of Eli Cohen* 🇮🇱

[rYtwing]

Eli Cohen went to unimaginable lengths with only one purpose in his life, serve his country and countrymen. He sacrificed everything that was precious to him. It is truly astonishing to see people going to such an extent when there is threat surrounding at every step. Eli has been given so much respect and love by his people is also very heart touching. That's how one should pay respects to people sacrificing their lives for their country.
I would like to end with a saying in Hindi, "Eli amar rahe", meaning Long live Eli.

[nilspochat]

I'm currently reading a book about Mossad's assassinations. At some point it talks about Cohen, his zeal that got him caught and his horrible torture/lynching/execution.
The latter shocked the agency and his colleagues, the mossad had to take measures in consequence, understandably since he was considered one of the best agent of the mossad at the time. There's clearly a before and an after Eli Cohen in the history of the agency.
For anyone interested, i can give details on how he got caught, it's a bit more complicated than in the video (according to Ronen Bergman's book ofc).

[shanke]

Single handedly saved Israel. Bravest man of all time.

[tomtran]

This is the best spy movie I've ever seen.

[AnujKumar-mhoo]

Eli Cohen was a great hero, but many such heroes have never been discovered because they were never caught.

[Mathson_M]

Just saw the spy, it was simply too good.👏👏✊

Truly WOW

[mariasharp]

You think Sacha Baron Cohen is just a comic - e.g. Borat - but my goodness - he is a SERIOUS actor.
I notice he was also executive producer for this series I'm guessing that as a Jewish man himself he felt seriously invested in telling this story.

[uzaiyaro]

I haven’t watched any Netflix series yet, I’m just interested in Mossad, because holy hell do they know what they’re doing. They’re complete wizards as far as I’m concerned. Absolutely incredible shenanigans you hear about from time to time.

[СанШингаля]

Oh, God I wish he could live longer.
I love Israel so much.
God bless his soul.
He must in heaven.

[divinegrace]

The intelligence and bravery of Ellie Cohen is beyond imagination...

[kirtiyadav]

India and Israel are so similar, we too had a spy named black tiger (Ravinder kaushik). He too went to pakistan and became a high ranking officer in their army but unfortunately captured and died in their prison 🙏

[surjanthapa]

Just finished watching spy on netflix👍👍👍

[rozanahwirt]

You shouldn’t marry and have children if you want to be a spy.

[arifkazimov]

began to watch tv show - Spy today at 01:00 am and finished at 08:00 am .
great story!!!

[Simon-gesy]

My mom told me his story when I was younger. She grew up just a couple of blocks away from his house.

[TheZionist]

Eli Cohen z"l our dear brother, we will never forget you, you are always in our hearts. הי"ד
עם ישראל חי ✡

[abc_cba]

What a real life hero !!
Prayers for his soul from India 🇮🇳