Israel announced the recovery of 2,500 documents and personal items belonging to Eli Cohen, its renowned spy executed in Syria in 1965, marking a substantial development in efforts to bring his legacy home.
Israel Makes Significant Find of Eli Cohen's Documents
Israel Makes Significant Find of Eli Cohen's Documents
Newly recovered artifacts hint at the life and critical espionage work of Eli Cohen in Syria, as Israel continues its quest to recover his remains.
Article Text:
For years, Israel has sought to retrieve the remains of Eli Cohen, one of its most celebrated spies, executed in Syria in 1965. On May 19, 2025, progress was announced with the acquisition of a significant archive of documents and personal effects belonging to Cohen. This collection, comprising approximately 2,500 items, includes vital records from his espionage activities, photographs from his time undercover, details regarding his last moments, and letters addressed to his family, as confirmed by the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The recovery was facilitated by the Mossad, Israel's foreign intelligence agency, in collaboration with an unnamed allied nation, although specifics concerning the partnership and the acquisition's timing were not disclosed. Cohen operated as an undercover agent in Syria during the early 1960s, establishing relationships with senior Syrian officials and gathering invaluable intelligence for Israel. His insights into Syrian military strategies, its alliance with the Soviet Union, and internal leadership conflicts played a crucial role in Israel’s military success, particularly during the Six-Day War in 1967, which culminated in the seizure of the Golan Heights from Syria.
While Israel continues the arduous task of locating Cohen’s remains, the newly obtained documents represent a meaningful step towards honoring his legacy and recognizing the impact of his intelligence contributions during a tumultuous chapter in Middle Eastern history.
For years, Israel has sought to retrieve the remains of Eli Cohen, one of its most celebrated spies, executed in Syria in 1965. On May 19, 2025, progress was announced with the acquisition of a significant archive of documents and personal effects belonging to Cohen. This collection, comprising approximately 2,500 items, includes vital records from his espionage activities, photographs from his time undercover, details regarding his last moments, and letters addressed to his family, as confirmed by the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The recovery was facilitated by the Mossad, Israel's foreign intelligence agency, in collaboration with an unnamed allied nation, although specifics concerning the partnership and the acquisition's timing were not disclosed. Cohen operated as an undercover agent in Syria during the early 1960s, establishing relationships with senior Syrian officials and gathering invaluable intelligence for Israel. His insights into Syrian military strategies, its alliance with the Soviet Union, and internal leadership conflicts played a crucial role in Israel’s military success, particularly during the Six-Day War in 1967, which culminated in the seizure of the Golan Heights from Syria.
While Israel continues the arduous task of locating Cohen’s remains, the newly obtained documents represent a meaningful step towards honoring his legacy and recognizing the impact of his intelligence contributions during a tumultuous chapter in Middle Eastern history.
