The Spy Who Ran Mossad’s Fake Hotel: Gad Shimron’s Double Life as a Windsurfing Coach

Podcast: The Spy Who
Host: Wondery
Episode: The Spy Who Ran Mossad’s Fake Hotel | Gad Shimron on his Double Life as a Windsurfing Coach
Release Date: June 10, 2025

Introduction to Operation Brothers

In the gripping fourth episode of The Spy Who, hosted by Charlie Higson, listeners are introduced to a unique and perilous chapter in Mossad’s history—Operation Brothers. Set against the backdrop of 1979 Ethiopia, where Ethiopian Jews faced persecution amidst ongoing civil war, the episode delves into the covert efforts by the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad to evacuate these Jews to Israel.

Gad Shimron, a former Mossad operative and journalist, serves as the episode’s guest, providing firsthand insights into this clandestine operation. Shimron recounts his experiences of blending into the Sudanese landscape by running a dilapidated beach resort on the Red Sea, which served as a perfect facade for their mission.

Gad Shimron’s Journey into Mossad

Recruitment and Training
Gad Shimron describes his unconventional path into Mossad:
"I was a troublemaker. I had a big mouth. I asked too many questions."
(02:56)

Unlike typical recruits, Shimron was approached while he was a student at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. After rigorous and strenuous training, he found himself transforming from a student in Tel Aviv to a "super spy," engaging in operations reminiscent of James Bond adventures.

Joining Operation Brothers
At the age of 30, Shimron met Danny Lemore, who convinced him to take part in Operation Brothers despite Shimron’s initial intentions to resign.
"I think I can do it and I'll be happy to join."
(08:37)

Establishing the Fake Resort as a Cover

First Impressions of the Arus Resort
In January 1982, Shimron and Lemore arrived at the deserted Arus resort, envisioning its transformation into a successful diving hotspot.
"I saw was deserted, with holes on the walls and the roofs... how are we going to make it to a successful diving resort?"
(10:12)

Operational Dynamics
The operation was divided into two groups: Mossad operatives with specialized training and local professionals such as divers and mechanics. Shimron emphasizes the delicate balance between maintaining the resort's facade and executing the covert mission.
"We were supposed to chaperone or oversee those amateurs... ensure the operation is going well."
(11:34)

Daily Life at the Resort
Despite the clandestine nature of their work, Shimron paints a picture of idyllic mornings and high-end tourist experiences, juxtaposed with the underlying mission to rescue Ethiopian Jews.
"When there were no operations, you would wake up to a sunrise in one of the most beautiful places in the world... best diving equipment between Egypt and South Africa."
(12:38)

Executing the Evacuations

Marine Operations (1981-1982)
Initially, Operation Brothers relied on marine evacuations, transporting Jews from Sudan to Israel amidst significant dangers, including roadblocks and potential confrontations with the Sudanese military. Shimron recounts a harrowing incident where Mossad operatives were fired upon:
"It was one of the scariest nights in my life... Danny desperate talked his way out of the situation."
(21:14)

Despite these challenges, the team successfully orchestrated numerous evacuations, though the operations were fraught with risks and required constant vigilance.

Transition to Aerial Operations
By the mid-1980s, the operation shifted to aerial evacuations with Operation Moses, leveraging Israeli C130 transport planes to airlift refugees directly. This method proved more efficient and less perilous compared to the earlier maritime approach.
"Operation Moses started, where we landed Israeli C130 transport airplanes in the middle of the desert... much easier than the marine operations."
(23:35)

Challenges and Operational Security

Operational Leak and Consequences
In January 1985, a political leak led to the exposure of Operation Moses, forcing Mossad to abruptly cease operations. Shimron details the immediate fallout:
"The operation had to be stopped immediately. ... tourists stranded by the gentiles organisateur."
(26:01)

This abrupt termination left some tourists in precarious situations, highlighting the high-stakes nature of Mossad’s missions.

Reflections and Legacy

Personal Reflections
Shimron reflects on the emotional and moral dimensions of the operation, emphasizing the bravery of the Ethiopian Jews and the collective effort to bring them to safety:
"The real heroes of the whole operation are... the Ethiopian Jews... What they went through to arrive in the Holy Land."
(27:23)

He expresses profound respect and admiration for the refugees, underscoring the operation’s significance as a humanitarian triumph within the intelligence community.

Impact on Israeli Society
The successful evacuation of approximately 7,000 Ethiopian Jews through operations like Brothers and Moses significantly shaped the demographic and cultural landscape of Israel. Shimron proudly notes that around 80% of the Ethiopian Jewish community in Israel today are direct beneficiaries of these missions.

Conclusion

The episode masterfully encapsulates the intricate balance between espionage and humanitarianism, showcasing how Mossad operatives like Gad Shimron navigated the treacherous terrains of Sudan to fulfill a noble mission. Through detailed storytelling and personal anecdotes, listeners gain an intimate understanding of the lengths to which intelligence agencies will go to protect and support vulnerable communities.

Notable Quotes:

• Gad Shimron: "We manage to get over it."
  (12:38)

• Gad Shimron: "If you don't kill us on the first hour or the first day, the government of Israel will do everything it can to get us out of this place."
  (16:44)

• Gad Shimron: "I believe we have done something so beautiful, so positive, so good, that makes me happy."
  (27:23)

This episode of The Spy Who offers a compelling glimpse into the shadowy yet profoundly impactful operations of Mossad, highlighting the intersection of intelligence work and humanitarian efforts in one of the most daring evacuations in history.