Eli Cohen

Eli Cohen
State Medal 2001/5761

The Eli Cohen Medal is an Israel State Medal issued to perpetuate the memory of "our man in Damascus", who was hanged at the scaffold in May 1965. Eli Cohen was born in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1924. He joined the Zionist Movement, was active in the Sinai Campaign and made Aliya to Israel with his family. He joined the Israel Intelligence Service in 1960 and his goal was to be Damascus. The Mosad created an appropriate identification for him – a business man living in Buenos Aires, returning to Syria, the land of his birth. From 1961-65, he succeeded in penetrating the highest level of the Syrian Authorities and establishing contacts with Military and Security Officials. He transmitted vital information to Israel. In January 1965, he was caught in action, sentenced to death and on May 18, was hanged in the town center. Before his death, he asked to convey the message to his family that he had fulfilled his duty and remained loyal to his people and land, up until his last moment.

Obverse: The medal face bears the portrait of Eli Cohen and his name in Hebrew and English.

Reverse: The reverse depicts iron rods in the shape of a Star of David symbolizing the prison bars, the Israel State Emblem and Mosad Emblem.

Edge: State emblem with the words "STATE OF ISRAEL" inscribed in Hebrew on the right and in English on the left; the serial number and metal.

Designer: Ruben Nutels.

Engraving: Tidhar Dagan.

Mint: Silver and Bronze Medals: Kretschmer, Jerusalem. Gold Medal: Government Mint, Jerusalem.