According to a Reuters report, Syrian leadership approved the return of Israeli spy Eli Cohen’s belongings to Israel, in an effort to ease tensions and signal goodwill toward U.S. President Donald Trump. Israeli officials, however, deny that the archive was transferred with any agreement from Syrian authorities.
The archive was returned to Israel two days ago, close to the 60th anniversary of Cohen’s execution in Damascus’s central Marjeh Square. In a special ceremony attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Director David Barnea, several original documents and personal items were presented to Cohen’s widow, Mrs. Nadia Cohen. Among them was the original version of Eli Cohen’s will, written just hours before his execution—a document previously revealed only in copy.
2,500 Documents, Photos, and Personal Items
The extensive archive includes approximately 2,500 original documents, photographs, and personal effects, most of which are being made public for the first time. The collection features audio recordings and investigative materials from Cohen’s interrogation files and those of his associates, handwritten letters to his family in Israel, and rare photos from his time undercover in Syria—including images of Cohen alongside high-ranking Syrian military and government officials. The archive also includes personal items taken from his home following his arrest.
Watch the PMO’s footage of the archive’s recovery:
Also Found: Sentencing Document and Nadia Cohen’s Appeals File
The original sentencing document that led to Cohen’s execution was also found. It specifies that Rabbi Nissim Andabo, the late head of the Jewish community in Damascus, would accompany Eli Cohen in accordance with Jewish tradition. Another item recovered was a personal file belonging to Nadia Cohen, documenting her efforts to secure her husband’s release from Syrian prison, including letters she wrote to world leaders and to the president of Syria.
“Do Not Deny Yourself or Them Anything”
In the final letter discovered in the archive, Cohen wrote:
“To my wife Nadia and my beloved family, I write you my final words and ask that you always stay close to one another. Nadia, I ask your forgiveness, and that you take care of yourself and the children. See to their education. Do not deny yourself or them anything, and please stay in touch with my family.”
He continued:
“You may remarry so that the children won’t grow up without a father. You have full freedom to do so. And please, do not waste your time weeping over what was—always think of the future. Don’t forget to pray for the elevation of my father’s soul, and mine.”
Decades of Intelligence Work
The return of the archive is the result of decades of work by the Mossad’s intelligence, operations, and technological teams, in a continuing effort to uncover the fate and burial place of Eli Cohen. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized Cohen’s importance as a legendary Israeli hero and an intelligence officer who contributed to Israel’s victory in the Six-Day War.
Mossad Director David Barnea added that the operation marks a significant moral and ethical achievement, and affirmed the agency’s commitment to locating Cohen’s burial site and returning all missing persons, fallen soldiers, and captives.
