“Spies of No Country:
Secret Lives at Birth of Israel,” by Matti Friedman, Algonquin Books, 2019.
In 1948, the Palmach, a branch of the newly formed Israeli army, developed the Arab Section, a group of Jewish men born and raised in the Arab communities surrounding Israel. The intent of this group was to be able to pass as Arabs and to gather intelligence for the army without raising suspicion. All the men were in their early 20s and strong supporters of the potential Jewish state.
In his new book, Matti Friedman describes the trials and issues these men faced. He lists their accomplishments, their failures and their patience in waiting to be sent on missions.
Friedman particularly follows the adventures of four men: Gamaliel Cohen, Isaac Shoshan, Havakuk Cohen and Yakuba Cohen, all of whom survived the Israeli war of independence and went on to lead successful lives. He located Shoshan — still alive in his 80s — whom he interviewed at length for the book.
These men went on many successful missions to protect the nascent Jewish state. One such mission was the attempt to destroy Hitler’s yacht. They operated from a kiosk with a radio disguised as a clothesline. Some members of the Arab Section were discovered and executed, but the group Friedman describes was successful in their endeavors.
The book’s narrative is gripping and the reader will be unable to put it down.
Andrea Kempf is a retired librarian and award winning book reviewer who speaks throughout the community on various topics related to books and reading.
Friedman to discuss book May 2
Matti Friedman will be onstage with JFED CEO Helene Lotman at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2, in the Social Hall of the Jewish Community Campus. Their discussion of his book and Israeli politics will be followed by a reception, book sale and signing. Tickets are $16; call 913-327-8054 or go to thejkc.org/spies to register.
This event is presented by the Jewish Community Center in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and made possible by a grant from the Sam M. Schultz Jewish Book Fair Fund.
