by Ariel Beroukhim
Just this past summer, as many of you have, I toured Israel with my Birthright group. Included in the many trips we took, was a hike in the north of Israel, Gholan Heights, one of the most beautiful places in Israel. It’s the ideal mountain with tons of greenery, a waterfall, creeks and endless views. If it had not been for one of the greatest Israelis, no person could indulge in the beauty it has to offer.
Before the hike began, our tour guide, Doron, began to tell us a story about a courageous spy, who was willing to do so much for his country. He later told us his name, Eli Cohen, and how he was able to outwit so many and get enough intelligence information to help Israel in the six-day war, that led to their gain of the Gholan Heights. I would hear his name come up from time to time when the topic of Israel would be discussed but I never knew his full story. I later read up on him, and found so many articles talking about his inspirational bravery. Because of the way his life ended, not much is known about the way things ended, and what went on in his life as a spy. So it’s the perfect spy story, which happens to be true. So when I found out that his younger brother Avi Cohen was coming to show us his documentary movie and talk about life as the younger brother of one of the greatest spies of all times, I didn’t think twice about going. It almost felt like, James Bond’s younger brother (if he had one), was coming.
The event began with the documentary movie of Eli Cohen, a brief film that talked about Eli Cohen’s beginnings and his story of being a spy in Damascus, Syria. Once the movie began, the seats began being taken up, as more joined. The audience included both young and old. After the movie, Avi Cohen walked up to the podium and gave his own, personal account of life as Eli Cohen’s younger brother. He told about so many specific times with his older brother, creating very vivid images in people’s minds. At that point he wasn’t so much a secretive undercover spy, who you knew nothing about, but almost like your own older brother, who was risking everything for a country he helped build.
After his speech, he was kind enough to stay for questions and pictures.
The night was something I will never forget. I’m really happy to have been part of the event, and looking forward to more unforgettable nights.