The Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, is renowned for its covert operations and its ability to infiltrate the most hostile environments. But how does it find its agents? The recruitment process is a closely guarded mystery, designed to select the best, from former military personnel to technological geniuses. In this article, we’ll uncover the Mossad’s secretive recruitment process and highlight the remarkable story of its iconic spy, Eli Cohen.

The Recruitment Process

Recruitment begins with the search for exceptional talent. The Mossad tracks former members of the Israel Defense Forces, particularly from elite units, where they have already demonstrated skills in combat or intelligence. It also targets universities, seeking brilliant students in technology, computer science, or languages.

Surprisingly, in recent years, the Mossad has opened its doors to the public through its website, available in Hebrew, Arabic, Farsi, and other languages. They post online puzzles, similar to those used by the British during World War II, to filter ingenious minds.

They seek individuals fluent in languages like Arabic or Chinese, with expertise in cybersecurity and a unique ability to solve problems under pressure. Loyalty to Israel is non-negotiable, but there is no discrimination based on religion or nationality.

Once identified, candidates face a grueling process. Psychological tests assess their emotional stability and ability to handle stress. Physical exams ensure they can operate in the field. Exhaustive interviews explore their motivations, ruling out those seeking money or adventure, as these are security risks. The Mossad investigates every detail of their lives: family, friends, finances. A single weakness, such as debts or addictions, can disqualify them. Only the best move forward.

Selected candidates enter the Midrasha, a secret academy near Herzliya. For one to two years, they learn espionage techniques: how to infiltrate, surveil, create false identities, and communicate without detection. They train in krav maga, the Israeli martial art, and weapons use.

They perfect languages and study foreign cultures to blend in seamlessly. Realistic simulations, such as infiltrating a hostile country or recruiting informants, prepare them for the world of espionage, where a single mistake can cost their lives.

A unique element of the Mossad is its network of sayanim, non-Israeli Jews living abroad who voluntarily assist. A sayan could be a businessperson lending a car or a doctor providing medical information. This network allows the Mossad to operate globally on a limited budget, supporting agents in critical missions.

The Legend of Eli Cohen

Now, let’s talk about Eli Cohen, a spy whose story defines the Mossad’s audacity. Born in 1924 in Egypt, Cohen was a Sephardic Jew fluent in Arabic, as well as Hebrew, French, and English. In the 1940s, he helped Egyptian Jews emigrate to Israel, demonstrating his Zionist commitment. Expelled from Egypt in 1957, he arrived in Israel and worked as an accountant.

His talent didn’t go unnoticed. In 1960, the Mossad recruited him for his Arabic fluency and natural charisma. Cohen underwent intensive training. The Mossad crafted a false identity: Kamal Amin Taabet, a Syrian businessman who had lived in Argentina.

To build this “legend,” they sent him to Buenos Aires in 1961, where he integrated into the Syrian community, earning the trust of influential expatriates. He learned to use hidden cameras, radio transmitters, and surveillance techniques.

He studied Syrian culture and politics to move like a native. After a year of preparation, he was ready. In 1962, Cohen arrived in Damascus as Taabet. His charisma and generosity, funded by the Mossad, made him a favorite among the Syrian elite. He mingled with military and political figures, gaining access to state secrets.

For three years, he sent critical intelligence to Israel, including details about fortifications in the Golan Heights. His reports were so precise that they helped Israel capture the Golan in the 1967 Six-Day War. But in 1965, Soviet experts detected his radio transmissions. Cohen was arrested, tortured, and executed after a public trial.

His sacrifice saved countless lives and changed Israel’s history.

The Legacy of Espionage

The Mossad’s recruitment is an art that combines rigor, secrecy, and vision. It seeks the best, molds them into elite spies, and sends them on missions where failure is not an option. Eli Cohen is proof of its success: an ordinary man who became an extraordinary hero. His legacy, like that of the Mossad, lives in the shadows, protecting a nation against all odds.