The Spy Who Ran Mossad’s Fake Hotel | The Escape | Episode 1 Summary
The Spy Who is a gripping podcast series hosted by Indira Varma and Raza Jaffrey, delving deep into the covert operations of global intelligence services. In the premiere episode titled "The Spy Who Ran Mossad’s Fake Hotel | The Escape," the listeners are transported back to the tumultuous era of late 1970s Ethiopia and Sudan, uncovering one of Mossad's most daring missions to rescue the Jewish Beta Israel community from oppression.
1. Farede Aklom’s Desperate Escape (00:03 - 06:08)
The episode opens in July 1978 in Gonda Province, Ethiopia, where we meet Farede Aklom, a respected teacher and community leader from the Beta Israel, an ancient Jewish community. Facing increased persecution under a Marxist junta, Aklom realizes that staying poses a mortal threat to him and his family. In a heart-wrenching moment, he decides to flee Ethiopia, knowing that capture could mean torture or death.
Notable Quote:
“But we keep ourselves hidden. … To stand by the wall of the temple, well, you feel something.” — Farede Aklom [10:45]
Desperate and out of resources, Aklom sells his wedding ring to send a coded telegram for help, marking the beginning of an audacious rescue mission.
2. Mossad Takes Action (06:08 - 21:41)
Two days after Aklom's telegram reaches Tel Aviv, Mossad headquarters springs into action. David Kimchi, a seasoned Mossad officer, concocts a plan to operate in Sudan—a dangerous and unconventional move, given Sudan's hostile stance towards Israel.
Notable Quote:
“Mossad never thought that Ethiopian Jews might escape to Sudan. But this could change everything.” — David Kimchi [06:08]
Danny Limor, a dedicated Mossad operative recently returned from Nigeria, is chosen for the mission despite skepticism from higher-ups. Kimchi persuades Mossad Director Yitzhak Hofi to approve the operation, emphasizing the potential to establish a new evacuation route for Ethiopian Jews.
3. Danny Limor’s Infiltration in Sudan (21:41 - 43:37)
Limor arrives in Khartoum, Sudan, under the guise of a French anthropologist. His mission is to locate Aklom and other Ethiopian Jews hiding in the sprawling refugee camps. Navigating a web of suspicion and fear, Limor faces immense challenges in identifying and gaining the trust of the fugitives.
Notable Quote:
“We've done all we can. It’s in God's hands now.” — Farede Aklom [18:50]
His perseverance pays off when he finally encounters Aklom at the Blue Nile Hotel. Together, they begin the arduous task of finding and organizing other Jews willing to risk their lives for escape.
4. Building the Evacuation Network (43:37 - 1:18:00)
Over the next few months, Limor and Aklom develop a network to transport Ethiopian Jews from Sudan to Israel. They establish contacts like Jean Michel, a UNHCR official in Khartoum, who unwittingly becomes a crucial ally by facilitating passport procurement for the refugees.
Notable Quote:
“If you can bring them to me, I might be able to get them to Israel.” — Danny Limor [12:15]
Their efforts lead to the successful evacuation of the first group of 16 refugees, marking a significant breakthrough. However, the mission faces increasing threats as Sudanese secret police begin to suspect Mossad’s activities.
5. Escalation and Secrecy (1:18:00 - 2:15:00)
As the operation gains momentum, Limor and Aklom must navigate heightened risks. A successful but tense passage through military checkpoints showcases the constant danger they face.
Notable Quote:
“They are real heroes.” — Danny Limor [2:00:30]
The arrival of more refugees exposes them to greater scrutiny, leading to raids and the eventual compromise of safe houses. The pressure mounts as Mossad sets a strict deadline: find more Jews within two weeks or abort the mission.
6. Expanding the Operation and Overcoming Obstacles (2:15:00 - 3:00:00)
Undeterred by setbacks, Limor and Aklom expand their operations, seeking alternative evacuation methods, including sea routes. Their ingenuity leads them to a seemingly abandoned Mediterranean-style village in the Sudanese desert, which Limor whimsically decides to purchase as a covert base—setting the stage for future operations.
Notable Quote:
“I’m gonna buy the place.” — Danny Limor [2:35:00]
This strategic move demonstrates Mossad's commitment and the lengths to which they are willing to go to ensure the safety of the Beta Israel community.
7. Conclusion and Future Prospects (3:00:00 - End)
The episode concludes with the successful landing of the first group of Ethiopian Jews in Israel, symbolizing the triumph of hope and resilience. However, the mission's expansion reveals the complexities and dangers of espionage work, hinting at the formidable challenges that lie ahead for Limor and Aklom.
Notable Quote:
“It's in God's hands now. May God continue to protect us.” — Farede Aklom [End]
Behind the Scenes: Production Insights
In the closing segment, the hosts provide transparency about the dramatized nature of the reconstructions, emphasizing that while some dialogues are recreated for dramatic effect, they are rooted in thorough biographical research from sources like Mossad Exodus by Gad Shimron and Red Sea Spies by Rafi Berg.
Notable Quote:
“Even if a scene or conversation has been recreated for dramatic effect, it's still based on biographical research.” — Raza Jaffrey [End]
Final Thoughts
Episode 1 of The Spy Who masterfully intertwines personal stories of courage with the intricate strategies of intelligence operations. It sheds light on the often-overlooked sacrifices made by spies and the communities they protect. For those unfamiliar with the journey of the Beta Israel, this episode serves as a profound introduction to their struggle and the extraordinary lengths taken to preserve their heritage and ensure their safety.
Recommended Listen: To dive deeper into this enthralling story and explore the rest of the season, subscribe to The Spy Who on Wondery+, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial here.