The Mossad

The Mossad

In all probability, the Mossad’s reputation far exceeds its actual accomplishments.  But then again, no one is really sure by what degree.  Think of some of the most daring acts of international espionage, the car bombing of Imad Mughniyeh, the Hizbullah military chief in downtown Damascus or the killing of senior Hamas operative Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai, conventional wisdom blames or credits (depending upon your point of view) the Mossad.   

  

Ultimately, it really doesn’t matter if they did it or not.  The very fact that everyone assumes they did it, or could have done it, is enough to act as a deterrent.   And that’s what Israel has strived to achieve.  When asked to comment on both attacks an official Government spokesman neither confirmed nor denied Israel’s involvement.  As one defense official put it, “Let them think we did it, even if we didn’t”.

Principally the Mossad is responsible for collecting intelligence, covert operations and counterterrorism.  It was founded in December 1949 as the central body to coordinate cooperation between the existing security forces.  

The largest department in the Mossad is Collections, responsible for intelligence gathering overseas.  Other departments are Research which produces intelligence and Technology which develops tools for Mossad activities.

Some of its best known activities include:

-Abducting the famous Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann from Argentina and smuggling him to Israel where he was tried and convicted.

-In August 2001 the Mossad cautioned the FBI that it had picked up indications of what it called a “large scale target” and that upwards of 200 terrorists had entered the U.S.  One month later the world witnessed the devastating attack on the World Trade Center in N.Y. and the Pentagon building in Washington.

-In 1992 and ’93 the Mossad was instrumental in evacuating Bosnian Jews from war torn Sarajevo to Israel.

-In 1969 – the smuggling of Israeli Navy boats out of Cherbourg, necessitated by the French embargo against Israel.

-1972-’72  Killing of the terrorists involved in the murder of Israel’s athletes at the Munich Olympics.

-Sending a letter bomb which maimed Nazi war criminal Alois Brunner.

-Abducting nuclear whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu from Rome.

-The Mossad was instrumental in helping the U.K’s M15 in tracking down the brains behind the 7/7 bombings in London.

The Mossad kept ongoing contacts with Russian Refusenicks in the USSR during the crackdown against the Jews in the decades between the 50’s and the 80”s.

These plus spectacular acts of heroism in the Arab lands since the founding of the State, have earned the Mossad an enviable reputation among similar organizations around the world.

This week, Israel Military Products is proud to feature a special sale on Mossad sweatshirts and T shirts. Show your pride in this great institution and your affiliation with its members who struggle against almost immeasurable odds to guarantee the safety and security of Jewish life. 

Buy a mossad sweatshirt using the following link http://www.israelmilitary.com/mossad-organization-hooded-sweatshirt-p-1948.aspx?utm_source=MeserEser&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=16%2f06%2f2012+-free+mossad+t+shirt

and get a free mossad t-shirt with your order (free t-shirt will be the same size as the sweatshirt).

Krav Maga-Making your point quickly and effectively

Krav Maga – Making your point quickly and effectively

It ranks among Israel’s top 64 exports.  Along with PillCam - a pill sized imaging device that takes real time pictures of the inner working of your stomach, the mobile phone – the compact size we take for granted, and Emergency Bandage, the super bandage  credited with saving the life of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords after she was shot,   Krav Maga an Israeli hand to hand combat system has been ranked as one of Israel’s 64 most enduring contributions to life on the planet.

What is there about Krav Maga that has earned such respect and awe?  The fact that it is used by the IDF, the Mosad, and the Shin Bet undoubtedly endows it with a mark of distinction.  The fact that the CIA, FBI, U.S. Marshals, police and SWAT teams have adopted it as part of their personal combat arsenal lends it the credibility it deserves.

But most of all the reason it is so respected is because it is considered the world’s most devastating self defense system.  It is a “no frills” combat system involving elements of striking, wrestling and grappling.  The philosophy behind Krav Maga is self defense in face of an attack. Once activated, it combines threat neutralization with aggressive defensive and offensive maneuvers.   

Its purpose is to defeat unarmed attackers, resolve ground fights and deal with knives and guns.  It is gender neutral offering the same type and level of training to men and women.

The goal of Krav Maga is winning a fight as quickly and convincingly as possible.  All attacks are aimed towards the most vulnerable parts of the aggressor’s body.  It is not a sport and it doesn’t observe rules.  The object is to walk away as quickly as possible leaving your opponent on the ground and incapable of continuing their attack.

One of the methods employed is “using the nearest tool for the job” - using your limb that is closest and most adaptable to inflicting the initial response to an attack. 

Unlike martial arts with which it is commonly confused, Krav Maga has no sporting Federation or costume and courtesies like removing footwear are not part of its combat culture.  While there are organizations that recognize achievement through rank badges, levels and colored belts, these are by no means strictly adhered to.   Krav Maga has no niceties and virtually no protocol.  It isn't about kata's and fancy moves. As one instructor noted, "if it looks great, it's probably not Krav Maga".

This week through June 22, Israel Military Products is running a BUY 1 get 1 FREE sale on all krav maga T-shirts.  Show your affinity to the State of Israel and your appreciation of its defense forces  by wearing a Krav Maga T shirt proudly.  

                  http://www.israelmilitary.com/krav-maga-t-shirt-p-1017.aspx