“The House on Garibaldi Street” is a non-fiction book by Isser Harel. Published in 1975, the book provides an account of the operation by the Mossad, Israel’s national intelligence agency, to capture Adolf Eichmann, a high-ranking Nazi official who played a major role in the Holocaust.
Follow my blog with BloglovinEichmann had escaped to Argentina after World War II, and the book details the meticulous planning and execution of his capture in 1960, followed by his covert transportation to Israel to stand trial for his war crimes. Harel, who was the head of the Mossad during this operation, offers an insider’s perspective on one of the most significant missions in the history of Israeli intelligence. The book highlights the bravery, determination, and moral imperative behind the mission, as well as the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by those involved.
About the Author:
Isser Harel was a prominent Israeli intelligence officer and the head of both the Mossad and the Shin Bet. Born on April 23, 1912, in Vitebsk, Russia (now Belarus), Harel immigrated to Palestine in 1930, where he joined the Haganah, the Jewish paramilitary organization.
Harel’s most notable achievement was overseeing the operation to capture Adolf Eichmann, one of the key architects of the Holocaust, who had fled to Argentina after World War II.
In addition to his work in intelligence, Harel wrote several books and articles on espionage and security matters, sharing his extensive knowledge and experiences. His contributions to the field of intelligence were significant, and his legacy endures in the annals of Israeli history. Harel passed away on February 18, 2003, in Petah Tikva, Israel.
The House on Garibaldi Street by Isser Harel [BOOK SUMMARY]
“The House on Garibaldi Street” by Isser Harel is a non-fiction account that details one of the most famous missions in the history of Israeli intelligence: the capture of Adolf Eichmann. Eichmann, a high-ranking Nazi official responsible for orchestrating the logistics of the Holocaust, had fled to Argentina after World War II. The book provides an insider’s perspective on the meticulous planning and execution of his capture by the Mossad, Israel’s national intelligence agency.
The story begins with the discovery that Eichmann was living under the alias Ricardo Klement in Buenos Aires. The Mossad, under Harel’s leadership, prioritized his capture as a means of bringing justice for the millions of Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Harel recounts the initial intelligence work that confirmed Eichmann’s identity and location, involving significant risk and careful observation.
Harel introduces readers to the dedicated team assembled for this mission, including operatives from different backgrounds, all united by a shared sense of purpose. These individuals were tasked with the dangerous job of surveilling Eichmann without raising suspicion, devising a plan to abduct him, and ensuring his safe transport to Israel.
The book describes the logistics of the operation, codenamed “Operation Finale.” The Mossad agents set up a safe house on Garibaldi Street, near Eichmann’s residence, to serve as a base for their activities. The plan required precise coordination and timing, as the team had to capture Eichmann during his commute home from work, a point where he was most vulnerable.
On May 11, 1960, the operation was set in motion. Harel narrates the tense moments leading up to the abduction: the agents waiting in a car, the meticulous timing of their approach, and the sudden confrontation with Eichmann. The capture itself was swift and executed with precision. Eichmann was taken to the safe house, where he was held and interrogated to confirm his identity.
Following the successful abduction, the team faced the formidable challenge of smuggling Eichmann out of Argentina without detection. Harel describes the intricate plans to forge documents and disguise Eichmann as a member of an Israeli airline crew. This part of the mission was fraught with tension, as any mistake could have led to their capture and international scandal.
The climax of the book is the dramatic flight to Israel. Harel captures the anxiety and relief felt by the team as they finally landed on Israeli soil with Eichmann in custody. This moment marked a significant achievement for the Mossad and a profound moment of justice for Holocaust survivors and the Jewish community worldwide.
In the aftermath of the operation, Eichmann was put on trial in Jerusalem, where he was found guilty of crimes against humanity and war crimes. Harel’s account does not dwell on the trial itself but instead focuses on the broader implications of the mission. He reflects on the moral and ethical dimensions of capturing a war criminal, the importance of justice, and the lengths to which individuals and nations must go to uphold it.
“The House on Garibaldi Street” is more than just a recounting of a historical event; it is a testament to the determination and bravery of those who seek justice. Harel’s narrative is both personal and professional, providing a rare glimpse into the world of intelligence operations while honoring the memory of Holocaust victims.
The book serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of individual and collective action in the face of historical atrocities. It underscores the importance of remembering the past to ensure that such horrors are never repeated. Through detailed descriptions, personal anecdotes, and a gripping narrative, Isser Harel brings to life the extraordinary mission to capture one of history’s most notorious war criminals.
Key Takeaways:
- Justice and Accountability:
The book highlights the importance of bringing war criminals to justice, no matter how long it takes. The capture of Adolf Eichmann symbolizes the relentless pursuit of accountability for the atrocities of the Holocaust. - Intelligence and Coordination:
Harel provides an in-depth look at the complexities and intricacies of intelligence operations. The success of “Operation Finale” depended on meticulous planning, coordination, and the seamless execution of a multi-faceted mission. - Moral and Ethical Dimensions:
The operation to capture Eichmann posed significant moral and ethical questions. Harel’s narrative delves into the justification of the abduction and the broader implications of extraterritorial actions taken to achieve justice. - Courage and Dedication:
The book showcases the bravery, dedication, and professionalism of the Mossad agents involved in the mission. Their unwavering commitment to their duty and their willingness to face enormous risks were crucial to the operation’s success. - Historical Significance:
“The House on Garibaldi Street” underscores the historical significance of Eichmann’s capture and trial. It serves as a reminder of the Holocaust’s horrors and the enduring necessity of remembering and confronting this dark chapter in human history to prevent future atrocities.
Conclusion:
“The House on Garibaldi Street” by Isser Harel is a gripping and insightful account of one of the most significant intelligence operations in history: the capture of Adolf Eichmann. The book underscores the relentless pursuit of justice and accountability for the atrocities of the Holocaust, highlighting the meticulous planning and coordination required for such a complex mission. Through Harel’s detailed narrative, readers gain an understanding of the moral and ethical dimensions faced by the Mossad agents, as well as their extraordinary courage and dedication. The operation’s historical significance serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting past atrocities to prevent their recurrence. The story of Eichmann’s capture is not only a testament to the capabilities of Israeli intelligence but also a crucial chapter in the ongoing effort to uphold human rights and justice worldwide.
Related Books:
- “Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil” by Hannah Arendt
- “Hunting Eichmann: How a Band of Survivors and a Young Spy Agency Chased Down the World’s Most Notorious Nazi” by Neal Bascomb
- “Mossad: The Greatest Missions of the Israeli Secret Service” by Michael Bar-Zohar and Nissim Mishal
- “The Nazi Hunters: How a Team of Spies and Survivors Captured the World’s Most Notorious Nazi” by Neal Bascomb
- “Operation Last Chance: One Man’s Quest to Bring Nazi Criminals to Justice” by Efraim Zuroff
The House on Garibaldi Street by Isser Harel [BOOK DETAILS]
FROM GOODREADS: “I have to announce in the Knesset that a short time ago one of the greatest Nazi criminals was found by the Israeli Security Services: Adolf Eichmann, who was responsible, together with the Nazi leaders, for what they called the ‘Final Solution of the Jewish Problem’—that is, the extermination of six million Jews of Europe. “Adolf Eichmann is already under arrest in Israel, and he will shortly be brought to trial in Israel under the Nazis and Nazi Collaborators [Punishment] Law of 1950.”
On May 23, 1960, Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion electrified the world with this simple pronouncement. Yet even in the ensuing drama of Eichmann’s trial with its attendant worldwide publicity, some vitally important questions remained unanswered: How had the Israelis “found” this former Nazi leader, who had vanished so completely that many people presumed him dead? Who was involved in the successful capture of a man who had vowed to commit suicide if he was ever apprehended? How had they accomplished their mission? For fifteen years the true story behind the spectacular headlines remained shrouded in secrecy. Now the official silence is broken: Isser Harel, the man who directed every step of Operation Eichmann, reveals a complete account of that historic manhunt and arrest. Each development in the quest for justice is meticulously reconstructed, from the first tentative identification of Eichmann (made by a blind man) to the final nerve-searing flight from Buenos Aires to Israel.
My Goodreads Review:
The House On Garibaldi Street by Isser HarelMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
An interesting account on how the Mossad brought to justice Adolf Eichmann, the man in charge of implementing the Jewish Holocaust during World War II.
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