Why Did the Mossad Hire a Nazi Assassin?

In the 1960s, Israel's Mossad hired a former (and unapologetic) Nazi to prevent Egypt from developing a missile program with the help of former Nazi scientists. This sensitive operation required the help of an expert in psychological warfare and Mossad agent, Yosef Raanan.

Raanan supervised the operation to recruit former Nazi SS Lieutenant Colonel Otto Skorzeny, because of his personal connection to German scientists working on Egypt's missile program. But the recruitment of a Nazi who showed no remorse for his actions required caution, wile, and moral compromise. Although Israel was hesitant to work with a former Nazi, ultimately, Skorzeny’s insider knowledge was critical to successfully stopping a major threat to Israeli national security.

Related Articles

More From Shoah

The Jewish Ghettos of World War II

The Jewish Ghettos of World War II

The ghettos of World War II were established by the Nazis to create a total confinement for the…
The Jewish Ghettos of World War II

Gertrude Luckner

Gertrud Luckner was born in the year 1900 in Liverpool. Soon she comprehended the reach of the…
Gertrude Luckner

Through Children's Eyes

Diary portions illuminate a view of the world seen through the eyes and lives of Jewish…
Through Children's Eyes

NIcholas Winton Honored

Sir Nicholas Winton saved the lives of hundreds of young Jewish people.
NIcholas Winton Honored

Sir Nicholas Winton

Man saves hundreds, and now unknowingly is sitting among them.
Sir Nicholas Winton

Publish the Menu module to "offcanvas" position. Here you can publish other modules as well.
Learn More.


donation