During the autumn of 1962, a young South African schoolteacher named Sylvia Rafael found herself at a turning point in her life. Little did she know that the phone call she received that day would lead her on a thrilling journey as a spy for the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad. This is the fascinating story of Sylvia Spy Family.

A Mysterious Calling

Sitting in her Tel Aviv apartment, Sylvia received a call from a man named Gadi. He revealed himself as a representative from an Israeli government agency, searching for new female recruits. Intrigued, Sylvia agreed to meet him at Café Hadley the following day, where her path into the world of espionage would be unveiled.

A Journey of Identity

Born in Pretoria, South Africa, Sylvia felt a strong desire to explore her Jewish heritage. Her fascination grew after hearing about the tragic history of her family members during the Second World War. Determined to reconnect with her roots, she moved to Israel. Little did she know that her journey would lead her to become a celebrated spy.

A New Identity

Under the alias Patricia Roxenburg, Sylvia began her training at the Mossad School for Special Operations. Gradually, she honed her skills and excelled as a photographer. Her talents caught the attention of Mossad, who saw her artistic abilities as the perfect cover for her covert missions.

Love and Espionage

In Paris, Sylvia’s success as a photographer grew, but her personal life remained complicated. She fell in love with a German photographer named Hans Rauch, but the secrecy of her work prevented her from being honest with him. To maintain her relationship and protect Mossad’s security, her lover was also recruited to the Special Operations Unit.

The Lillehammer Affair

By the summer of 1973, Sylvia had become one of the most experienced operatives in Unit 188. Assigned to a mission in Norway, she was part of a team tasked with assassinating Ali Salameh, a key figure in Black September and a close associate of Yasser Arafat. However, the operation went awry when two hitmen mistakenly shot an innocent Norwegian waiter instead.

Aftermath and Reflection

The catastrophic mistake in Lillehammer led to Sylvia’s imprisonment. She was sentenced to five years for Mossad’s error. Despite this, Sylvia remained loyal to Mossad until the end of her life. After her release from prison, she married her Norwegian lawyer, Annæus Schjødt, settling into a quiet life in South Africa.

In 2005, Sylvia passed away at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy of loyalty and bravery. Her unique character, shaped by conflicting identities and unwavering determination, was a testament to her remarkable life as a spy. Today, her story is immortalized in the book, Sylvia Rafael: The Life and Death of a Mossad Spy, co-authored by Moti Kfir and Ram Oren.

Sylvia Rafael’s incredible journey reminds us of the sacrifices individuals make to serve their country. Her story is a testament to the resilience and bravery of those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.

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