Who Is Eli Cohen? Age, Biography and Wiki
Eli Cohen was born on December 6, 1924, in Aleppo, Syria. His extraordinary life as an Israeli spy and intelligence officer ended tragically on May 18, 1965, when he was executed in Syria. In 2025, most would recognize him for his significant contributions to Israeli intelligence and the captivating and dangerous life he led. Cohen was instrumental in gathering critical information during the Six-Day War, a defining moment in Middle-Eastern conflict history.
| Occupation | Spies |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 6, 1924 |
| Age | 40 Years |
| Birth Place | Alexandria, Egypt |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Egypt |
| Date of death | 18 May, 1965 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Eli Cohen's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although specific details regarding Eli Cohen's height and weight are scarce, historical accounts suggest he was of average build. His physical presence and charm aided him in charming his way into Syrian high society, a pivotal part of his successful spy operations.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Cohen was married to Nadia Cohen, his beloved wife, with whom he shared a close connection. They had three children together. Despite the time that has passed, Nadia's unwavering support and love for him resonate as an enduring legacy. In the context of 2025, his story continues to inspire numerous accounts of loyalty, sacrifice, and love.
His father had immigrated from Aleppo in the Ottoman Empire in 1914. Deeply committed to Judaism, Cohen had planned in his youth to become a rabbi with guidance from Moise Ventura (1893–1978), Alexandria's Chief Rabbi, but the city's yeshiva soon closed down, prompting him to pursue higher education at Cairo University.
A staunch Zionist, he helped Israel evacuate the Egyptian Jewish community by assisting Israeli intelligence throughout Egypt. He was also fluent in five languages: Arabic, Hebrew, English, French, and Spanish.
Net Worth and Salary
Eli Cohen's net worth isn't easily quantifiable due to his role as a spy and public servant. However, his life’s work has far-reaching impacts on national security and intelligence, profoundly shaping Israeli defense strategies. In discussions around his legacy, one could speculate on the potential value of the crucial information he secured for his country.
Career, Business and Investments
Cohen’s illustrious career as an intelligence officer began when he was recruited by the Mossad, Israel's national intelligence agency. He undertook extensive training and became proficient in Arabic and the culture of Syria, successfully infiltrating the Syrian elite. His ability to gather sensitive intelligence helped Israel navigate complex military and political landscapes in the 1960s.
While Eli did not invest in traditional businesses, his legacy has led to numerous books and films about his espionage work, generating interest and discussion around his life in media and academia.
The Mossad recruited Cohen after Director-General Meir Amit, looking for an intelligence officer to infiltrate the Syrian government, came across his name while looking through the agency's files of rejected candidates, after none of the current candidates seemed suitable for the job.
For two weeks Cohen was put under surveillance and was judged suitable for recruitment and training. Cohen was then informed that Mossad had decided to recruit him and underwent an intensive six-month course at the Mossad training school. His graduate report stated that he had all the qualities needed to become a katsa, or field agent.
Social Network
Eli Cohen's life has propelled him into the spotlight through various documentaries, books, and films. Today, Eli Cohen's legacy can be found across numerous social platforms and websites dedicated to discussing his contributions and the broader implications of his espionage work. Social media plays a crucial role in advocating for spy recognition, military history, and intelligence ethics, reflecting on Cohen's impactful life.
Cohen provided an extensive amount and wide range of intelligence data for the Israeli Army between 1961 and 1965. He sent intelligence to Israel by radio, secret letters, and occasionally in person; he secretly travelled to Israel three times.
His most famous achievement was the tour of the Golan Heights in which he collected intelligence on the Syrian fortifications there. According to an unconfirmed story, he feigned sympathy for the soldiers exposed to the sun and had trees planted at every position, placed to provide shade.
The Israel Defense Forces were alleged to have used the trees as targeting markers during the Six-Day War, which enabled Israel to capture the Golan Heights in two days. Cohen made repeated visits to the southern frontier zone, providing photographs and sketches of Syrian positions.
He also learned of a secret plan to create three successive lines of bunkers and mortars; the Israel Defense Forces would otherwise have expected to encounter only a single line.
Cohen was able to find out that the Syrians planned to divert the Jordan River headwaters in an attempt to deprive Israel of water resources, providing information to Israeli forces that enabled them to destroy the equipment prepared for the task during the "War over Water".
It is claimed that the intelligence that Cohen gathered before his arrest was an important factor in Israel's success in the Six-Day War, although some intelligence experts have argued that the information he provided about the Golan Heights fortifications was also readily available from ground and aerial reconnaissance.
Education
Eli Cohen had a practical upbringing that prepared him for his future roles. He began his education in Syria before moving to Israel, where he took part in various training programs led by Mossad, shaping him into one of the most significant spies of his time. His commitment to learning about Middle Eastern culture, languages, and political dynamics positioned him favorably in his intelligence career.
