Ceremony for the Fallen of the Intelligence Community

We commune with the cherished memory of the fallen of the Intelligence community – the Intelligence branch, the General Security Service, the Mossad and Nativ – in which there are many silent heroes, whose daring life stories and deaths in the service of their nation remain enveloped in a haze of secrecy and silence. 

As an Intelligence officer in two commands and as one who depended on Intelligence from my days as a commander in the IDF, and even more so today, I am well aware of the merits of Intelligence, and appreciate and respect those who are responsible for it. 

We came here to pay respects to them, and cherish their sacrifice, devotion and contribution to the security of Israel.  Their bravery was unknown, and was carried out in a state of extreme and cruel solitude, and an oppressive distance far from home and family.  Their names are not commemorated on halls or street signs, and most of them will never be known to anyone but their families, friends, acquaintances and to a handful who know the secret.  They were magnificent figures to whom the people of Israel are indebted – a debt of honor and praise that is without measure – and there is nothing like the last few years with their many life-saving operations based on first-rate Intelligence – to prove it.

This ability will be required from the Intelligence in the near future as well.  This week, Israel passed a Resolution of great importance for its future – the Resolution on the Disengagement Plan, the implementation of which will be completed by the end of 2005. 

In a few months, the Government will have to make important decisions regarding implementation of the plan.  When we reach that point, Intelligence will play a central role in examining the chances and risks facing Israel.  I am certain that, with the help of Intelligence, we will make the right decisions which will provide an answer to the security, political, economic and demographic needs of Israel, and will also perhaps, with G-d’s help, initiate an opening to peace between us and our Palestinian neighbors.

On rare occasions, it comes to pass that a member of the Intelligence services operating clandestinely is suddenly exposed.  The circumstances are almost always tragic.  I cannot help but remember Eli Cohen now, may G-d avenge his death – a hero of Israel whose exploits and secret mission have become widely known and engraved on the heart of the Jewish people in gratitude and eternal praise.  I remember with grief and sorrow the sight of his body hanging in Marjah Square in Damascus 39 years ago in front of the enraged crowd. 

Eli Cohen’s blood is not atoned.  The debt of honor we owe him and his beloved family will not be fulfilled until the day when Eli Cohen will find his eternal rest in Israel.

Of course, Eli Cohen is not the only one.  I could have told you about many more I have known during my years of service, but I name him as a symbol.  He is just one example of those anonymous heroes who undertake brave, sacred service, diligently and silently, also behind enemy lines, with no laurels and not in order to receive a reward or publicity.  Their payment is the cruciality of the work they do for the security of the State of Israel.

We will extol the courageousness, sanctity of will and devotion of the fighters of the Intelligence community who gave their lives for us.  We embrace to our hearts with love the bereaved families, and will forever cherish their pure memory.  May their names be engraved in praise for Israel’s eternity.