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Members of the Cohen Family,
Madam Speaker,
My Friends, Members of Knesset,
Few are the people whose actions continue to say so much to so many even several decades after they have left the national arena.
Few are the figures in the history of our nation and its security that have been engraved into the hearts and consciousness of so many.
Eli Cohen is one such person. One of a kind; unique and special.
Even 42 years after he was taken to the gallows in Syria, a large portion of the actions of “our man in Syria” remain hidden from the world. His real contribution to Israeli intelligence is known to only a few.
Eli Cohen, who was born in Alexandria eighty-three years ago, started his activities for the State of Israel while still in Egypt, several years before making Aliyah. His willingness to volunteer and risk his life for the sake of the nation became an inseparable part of the life of this Zionistic, special, brave man even in those years.
Upon making Aliyah, Eli Cohen integrated himself into the activities of the Israeli intelligence community and after several years, left on his mission to Damascus.
The social network he built during his stay in the Syrian capital was extensive and impressive, and in many ways – unprecedented. Thanks to that network, Eli Cohen accomplished his missions with dedication, skill and a great measure of success.
However when it came to himself, on this point his mission ended in grief and great loss. As always, “our man in Damascus” was devoted to his missions that put his freedom, security, and life in second place.
In January 1965, when the Syrians discovered his true identity while he was transmitting a message to Israel, his destiny was sealed. On May 18, 1965, he was led to the gallows on one of the squares in Damascus, and there he gave his soul back to his maker.
Members of Knesset,
These days, when terms such as “sacrifice”, “mission”, and “patriotism” are not always obvious, the story of the life and death of Eli Cohen reverberates once again.
Especially in days such as these, the image of Eli Cohen stands as a role model and symbol to many. His dedication, intelligence, and courage – all these have a place of honor in the national memory and in the hearts of each and every one of us.
Because of that, our moral obligation to Eli Cohen and his family intensifies – to do everything within our power to bring him back, with due respect and pride, to be buried in Israel.
The truth must be told: this is not an easy task, and many have tried in the past – unsuccessfully – to accomplish it.
Nevertheless, on behalf of the Israeli Government, and on behalf of the Israeli people and the Jews in the Diaspora, I promise you – Nadia, Avraham, and all the members of the Cohen family – that this noble goal is always in our minds. G-d willing, we will see it fulfilled.
Madam Speaker,
The Knesset did well when it decided to dedicate this special session to perpetuate the memory and actions of Eli Cohen – among the most beloved and devoted sons of this country.
Today, we will all bow our heads in memory of he who sacrificed his life in one of the most sensitive and important missions conceivable, and we embrace the family members in their pain.
Today, we will also acknowledge in gratitude and respect all the envoys of the State who work in the light of Eli Cohen’s legacy, in careful secrecy, for the sake of the State of Israel and for its security. Those, who perhapss only decades from now, we will know the true scope and importance of their contribution.
May the memory of Eli Cohen be forever blessed.
Thank you.
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