President Rivlin on a farewell visit to Mossad HQ
President of Israel Reuven Rivlin has made a farewell visit to the Mossad thanking its staff for its dedicated work.
Yossi Cohen and President Rivlin Photo: Haim Zach (GPO)
The head of the Mossad Yossi Cohen and Mossad’s senior management forum accompanied the president.
President Rivlin said: “I came here today too say thank you. Personally, on behalf of the Israeli people, on behalf of the Jewish people, and if I may, on behalf of our friends around the world. ‘Small in number, great in quality’ could describe the Mossad, and you, all of you, are the beating heart and the penetrating brain of this organization. The sharp end of the State of Israel. The longest and most daring arm that we have.”
He added: “Over the past seven years, I have been privy – more than in the past – to your operations and activities. To your unique capabilities that were applied to the darkest places and the most hostile environments. In the heart of Teheran and of Damascus, and in other places that should still be kept secret. I saw you time after time keeping one step and, luckily for us often many kilometres, ahead of our enemies, the dangers and the threats that emerged and changed on a constant basis.
Carrying out operations whose reality is far beyond any imagination. I was also witness, of course, to your unique contribution to how the State of Israel has dealt with the coronavirus pandemic. I must admit that I was astonished anew every time. Your achievements are extraordinary. Many of them cannot be spoken about; many of them cannot even be imagined. Hollywood has nothing on your creativity and imagination.
Leaders I have met around the world see huge value in sharing information with the Mossad, because it is reliable, high-quality and life-saving. They appreciate you as a defensive and offensive organization, as research, implementation, development and operational body. Our friends, and above all our enemies, understand the capabilities of the Mossad, and that alone creates deterrence for which we owe you a great deal,” added the president.
“The Mossad is a sophisticated organization. It uses ground-breaking technological means. And yet, it remains a human organization, where people are at the heart. Neither the technology nor the means, but rather you, the men and women of the Mossad, are what makes this organization, and thanks to you it is different from any other intelligence agency.
The unique set of values that you bring with you to every mission, your profound determination and dedication to the security of the State of Israel, and your belief in the righteousness of our way, are the basis of your success and your good name. We live in a complex reality. A reality that is constantly in flux. Challenges are growing and I know that even when we go to sleep, your ears and eyes are always open. We know we can rely on you.”
At the end of his remarks, the president thanked the head of the Mossad and his people, saying, “I want to thank you, Yossi, for leading the Mossad in complex times, in foreign fields, and I am sure that you will continue to make your abilities and experience available to the State of Israel. My dear friends, you are the best! Thank you for all you have done and thank you for everything you will still do. Take care of yourselves and continue to take care of us.”
Head of the Mossad Yossi Cohen expressed his great appreciation for the president and thanked him for the work they have done together over the years.
President Rivlin will retire at the end of July. A new president is elected by the Knesset for a single seven-year term.
