By: Fern Sidman

In one of the most daring intelligence operations in recent memory, the Mossad, in collaboration with Israel’s Strategic Intelligence Service, has successfully recovered the long-hidden official Syrian archive of the legendary Israeli spy, Eli Cohen, also known as “Our Man in Damascus.” As reported by Israel National News on Sunday, this secret mission, conducted just ahead of the 60th anniversary of Cohen’s public execution in Damascus on May 18, 1965, represents a profound national achievement and a moment of historic and emotional significance.

The operation, described as one of the most sensitive conducted in recent years, culminated in the retrieval of 2,500 items from Syrian intelligence, who had guarded the materials for decades under strict secrecy. The archive includes photographs, intelligence reports, personal letters, audio recordings, and Cohen’s final will—written mere hours before his death by hanging in Marjeh Square. Also among the items were the keys to his Damascus apartment, forged identification documents he used while undercover, and documentation of his interactions with top Syrian officials.

In a special ceremony held on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Director David Barnea presented many of these recovered items to Cohen’s widow, Nadia Cohen. Israel National News reported that among the most emotional moments was the presentation of a portfolio titled “Nadia Cohen,” which contained numerous letters she had sent to global leaders and the Syrian regime in a desperate bid to save her husband’s life.

Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized the enduring legacy of Cohen, stating, “Eli Cohen was a legend. In the test of time, he has been revealed as the greatest intelligence agent in the annals of the state; his heroism and his activity contributed to our historic victory in the Six-Day War. The Eli Cohen archive, which was brought in a special effort, will educate generations, and expresses the unwavering commitment to bring back home all of our missing, captives and hostages.”

Mossad Director Barnea called the recovery “an achievement of the highest moral order,” and affirmed that efforts to discover Cohen’s final resting place in Syria would continue with renewed urgency. “This important mission stands before us and we are committed to continue and do our utmost to realize it. We will continue to act to locate and return all of our missing, fallen and hostages – the living for rehabilitation and the deceased for eternal rest after a proper Jewish burial,” he said, as reported by Israel National News.

To understand the magnitude of this operation, one must appreciate the life of Eli Cohen himself. Born in 1924 in Alexandria, Egypt, to a devout Jewish family of Syrian origin, Cohen displayed early signs of brilliance and dedication to his people. After facing increasing antisemitism in Egypt, he immigrated to Israel in 1957, where he quickly became a valuable asset to the Mossad. Known for his impeccable memory, mastery of languages, and natural charisma, Cohen underwent intensive training and was eventually embedded in Damascus under the alias Kamel Amin Thaabet, posing as a wealthy Syrian expatriate returning from Argentina.

Between 1961 and 1965, Cohen penetrated the highest circles of Syrian political and military leadership, gathering intelligence that would later prove instrumental during the 1967 Six-Day War. He famously visited the Golan Heights, where he suggested planting trees near military fortifications to provide shade—advice the Syrians accepted. Those very trees later helped the IDF identify enemy positions during the war.

Cohen’s cover was eventually blown after Syrian counterintelligence detected unusual radio transmissions. He was arrested in January 1965, brutally interrogated, and despite international pleas for clemency, sentenced to death. His final message to his wife Nadia was read publicly before his execution: a letter expressing love, faith, and devotion to the State of Israel.

According to the information provided in the Israel National News report, the recently recovered archive sheds light on previously unknown aspects of Cohen’s missions, including written records of his observations, sketches of military installations, and even transcripts from his interrogations. These materials not only enhance the historical record but also reaffirm the central role Cohen played in safeguarding Israel during one of its most perilous periods.

The successful recovery of the archive calls attention to the Mossad’s relentless commitment to its operatives, past and present. It also highlights Israel’s broader ethos of never leaving a soldier behind, whether in body or in memory. For Nadia Cohen, who has waited decades for closure, the return of these artifacts offers a bittersweet form of consolation.

Israel National News has reported that the materials will eventually be curated and displayed in Israel’s intelligence heritage centers and national archives, serving both as educational resources and as enduring tributes to one of the nation’s most valiant sons.

As the State of Israel continues to navigate the complexities of regional security and the threat of terrorism, the legacy of Eli Cohen remains as relevant as ever. His courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the Jewish people continue to inspire generations. Through the recovery of his personal and professional history, the nation not only honors the man but reaffirms its own resilience and moral compass.

The Mossad’s latest triumph is not merely a logistical success. It is a deeply human story of memory, justice, and national pride—an enduring reminder that the sacrifices of heroes like Eli Cohen will never be forgotten.