Review of The Impossible Spy (1987) by John W — 27 Nov 2007
Eli Cohen (born 1924 and died 1965) was a celebrated Israeli spy, and is recognized as one of the most successful spies of modern times.
Born in Egypt, Cohen contributed to pro-Israeli activities in Egypt during the 1950s, such as taking part in Operation Goshen although Egyptian government could never provide proof of it. But the most important part of his career began when he was recruited into Israeli military intelligence in 1960. He was given a false identity as a Syrian Arab who was returning to Syria after living in Argentina. To establish his cover, Cohen moved to Argentina in 1961.
In January 1965, hired Soviet experts caught him in the act of sending a radio message after large amounts of radio interference brought attention. After a showcase trial, he was found guilty of espionage. Despite many appeals including from Pope Paul VI and the heads of state of France, Belgium and Canada, to persuade the Syrian government to commute the death sentence, he was publicly hanged by Syria on May 18, 1965. Syria to this day refuses to return Eli Cohen's remains to his family for burial in Israel.
Book is excellent!!
This review of The Impossible Spy (1987) was written by John W on 27 Nov 2007.
The Impossible Spy has generally received positive reviews.
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