The Shadows of History
The most successful spies are the ones you’ve never heard of, the ones who move in the shadows and blend seamlessly into their surroundings. This is particularly true for the early spies of Israel, whose names remain largely unknown outside of Israel. These were the men who laid the foundation for Mossad’s legendary reputation, driven not by future glory but by the immediate need for survival. Their story is vividly captured in Matti Friedman’s book, “Spies of No Country.”
Between Resolution 181 and the Israeli Declaration of Independence
In November 1947, the United Nations voted to partition Palestine into two states, one for Jews and one for Arabs. The decision was met with jubilation by Palestine’s Jews, but the celebrations were short-lived. The very next day, attacks on Jews began. Initially, the Jews were on the defensive, but soon hardline Jewish groups retaliated with bombings, sending a clear message to Palestine’s Arabs: “We ain’t going nowhere.” However, wars are not won with bombs and bullets alone. Intelligence was crucial, and the Jews of Palestine needed spies who could blend into Arab society.
The Tiger in Haifa
For Gamliel Cohen, blending in meant attending the mosque in Haifa and listening to a fierce preacher known as the Tiger. Gamliel pretended to pray while carefully observing the Tiger and his influence over the local Arab population. The Tiger’s influence was significant, and it was decided that he had to be stopped. Isaac Shoshan played a crucial role in this mission. As the Tiger traveled back from Damascus, Isaac signaled Jewish assassins who ambushed the Tiger’s car, spraying it with machine gun fire. Although the Tiger survived, his departure from Haifa marked a significant victory for the Jewish spies.
Arab Suspicions and Jewish Persistence
Despite their successes, the spies of the Arab Section faced constant danger. Arab cities were plastered with posters warning of spies and imposters. Many spies were caught and met gruesome deaths, but the rest persevered. Their bravery was born of desperation, knowing that their fragile homeland could not afford to fall under constant Arab assault.
Gamliel Cohen in Beirut, Lebanon
Gamliel Cohen, alias Yussef El-Hamed, found himself alone in Beirut, selling candy and school supplies while closely monitoring his neighbors. He couldn’t contact the local Jewish community without blowing his cover. Eventually, his fellow spies joined him, and together they sent reports back to Israel, detailing the mood in Lebanon and potential targets for attack. One of their most dramatic missions involved the destruction of a yacht that had once belonged to Hitler, which was anchored in Beirut. The explosion was a psychological victory, symbolizing that Jews would never be weak again.
The Arab Section’s Success
The true legacy of the Arab Section lies not in their dramatic feats but in their quieter, deeper contributions. Their expertise, built through years of living undercover, laid the groundwork for the Mossad. For every spy whose name we know, there are many more whose contributions will never come to light. These spies could drive undetected through Arab cities, track fighters and weapons, and slip into storehouses with bombs or grenades. They were the unsung heroes who ensured the survival of the Jewish state.
Pre-Mossad Israeli Spies: Gamliel Cohen and Isaac Shoshan
Gamliel Cohen and Isaac Shoshan did not come to Palestine to be spies. They were driven by a desire to escape their second-class status in Syria. Isaac, at 18, smuggled himself into Palestine, while Gamliel, at 21, decided he couldn’t wait any longer to reach Jerusalem. They joined the Palmach, the most elite strike force within the Jewish paramilitary. They learned the intricacies of Muslim prayer, how to handle weapons, and how to maintain their cover stories.
The Arab Section and Mistaravim
The Arab Section, or Mistaravim, were Jews who became like Arabs. Today, Israel’s undercover agents undergo extensive training, but Gamliel and Isaac’s training was far less organized. Their handler improvised as they went along. Despite the lack of resources, their contributions were invaluable. They are symbols of every spy who served with them and every spy who came after.
In conclusion, the story of Israel’s first undercover spies is one of courage, ingenuity, and unwavering commitment to their homeland. Their legacy lives on in the Mossad and in the state of Israel itself.
