Three Mossad Chiefs Came to Israel as Immigrants from the Former USSR
Translated & summarized from Channel 9 by baba
Three leaders of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency were immigrants from the former Soviet Union. Yisrael Harel, born in Vitebsk, led the agency from 1952-1963, overseeing the Eichmann capture. Meir Dagan, born near Kherson, headed Mossad from 2002-2011, implementing a tougher stance on overseas operations. Roman Hoffman, born in Mozyr, will become director in June 2026 after a distinguished military career and combat on October 7.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Three Mossad directors were immigrants from the former Soviet Union.
- Yisrael Harel led Mossad from 1952-1963, overseeing the capture of Adolf Eichmann.
- Meir Dagan headed Mossad from 2002-2011, focusing on aggressive overseas operations.
- Roman Hoffman, born in Mozyr, will become Mossad director in June 2026.
- Hoffman was injured fighting Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.
- Mossad's leadership has included immigrants from various regions throughout its history.
Of the fourteen individuals who have led Israel's foreign intelligence agency, Mossad, since its inception in 1949, three began their journeys to the top position as immigrants from territories that were then part of the Soviet Union. Yisrael Harel, born in Vitebsk (then Russian Empire) in 1912, headed Mossad from 1952 to 1963. His tenure included the capture of Adolf Eichmann in Buenos Aires, the exposure of Soviet spy Israel Beer, and the acquisition of Khrushchev's secret 1956 report, which was passed to the CIA.
Meir Dagan, born in 1945 on a train near Kherson (Ukrainian SSR) while his parents fled the Holocaust, led Mossad from 2002 to 2011. During his leadership, Mossad adopted a more aggressive approach to covert overseas operations aimed at neutralizing security threats and preventing terrorist attacks.
Roman Hoffman, born in Mozyr (Belarusian SSR) in 1976, immigrated to Ashdod at age 14. He advanced from a tank commander to major general and served as the military secretary to the prime minister. On October 7, 2023, Hoffman personally engaged Hamas terrorists near the Sha'ar HaNegev junction, killing two before sustaining a severe injury. He is slated to become the director of Mossad in June 2026.
While Mossad originated in Palestine, its leadership has included individuals who arrived through immigration from regions now known by different names, according to RADIO HAMSIN.