Benjamin Werner was having his traditional Sunday breakfast of scrambled eggs with smoke salmon, dry rye toast and black coffee. Opening the Tel Aviv Journal the headline read, “Radical Muslim Cleric Assassinated.” The small grin on his face broadened as he sipped his coffee.
Benjamin Werner shouldn’t have been in Israel, much less the head of Mossad Special Operations. Benjamin was born in the United States, April 21, 1943, during the turmoil of World War II. As a small child he exhibited a unique ability to do adult jigsaw puzzles in an astonishing speed. He also excelled in mathematics, which led him to enroll in the prestigious Bronx Science High School. He graduated at the age of sixteen, having completed college level courses in Integral and Differential Calculus with straight A’s.
Many prestigious Universities in the United States, including M.I.T. and Stanford had offered him full scholarships, but he turned them down to enroll in the Tel Aviv University School of Mathematical Sciences. His decision to attend Tel Aviv University was influenced by his Grandfather Ivan Werner, whom he worshipped. His Grandfather had lived with his family for as long as he could remember. His Grandmother had died before he was born, of Typhoid Fever and he never knew her.
Ivan Werner had been born in Kaniv; Ukraine 90-kilometers south of Kiev. His family’s wealth was from producing and selling caviar to the aristocratic families of Europe. Ivan was only twelve years old when the Bolshevik Revolution broke out in Russia.
The chaos of the Russian Civil War finally reached the Ukraine. Any family that had wealth was being persecuted. On March 12, 1918 the revolution finally caught up to Kaniv, and the Werner family fled for their lives. First to the port of Odesa on the Black Sea where they were able to book passage on a freighter to Rize, Turkey and then traveled over land to Antalya, Turkey.
As World War I raged, the family spent two months waiting for a ship that would make the dangerous voyage to the United States. Finally arrived in the New York City harbor, the young Ivan first caught sight of the Statue of Liberty and New York City and found the experience overwhelming.
In New York City, Ivan was introduced to Rabbi Isaac Meyer, who headed up an Ultra-Conservative faction in the city. It was Rabbi Meyer who prepared him for his Bar Mitzvah, and also taught him English. The Rabbi was fanatical about the Jews having their own homeland and was instrumental in unifying the Jewish Community in New York City in this goal.
When Israel was created by the United Nations, Ivan Werner was fifty-three years old and he vowed to support the new country in any way possible. It was under that vow that Ivan Werner paid for his grandson to attend Tel Aviv University rather than take a full scholarship in the United States.
At Tel Aviv University, Benjamin graduated in June 1965 with a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics only five years after entering the university, an accomplishment never to be duplicated. His groundbreaking papers were published by several prestigious scientific journals on the Development and Analysis of Computational Methods for Calculating the Numerical Solution of Mathematical Problems drew worldwide recognition of his intellectual genius.
This feat didn’t go unnoticed by the Mossad, a CIA-like organization, without the restrictions from monitoring and spying on their own citizens.
The Mossad was desperate to find talent, especially people with code breaking ability. Benjamin Werner was a perfect match. The Mossad approached Benjamin. The sum of money the Mossad offered was five times the salary any corporation had proposed. They also gave Benjamin a free hand in mathematical research pertaining to clandestine intelligence collecting. He couldn’t turn down such a lucrative offer knowing his grandfather would be proud of the decision. He didn’t disappoint either the Mossad or his grandfather.
Benjamin’s work in computerized code breaking was crucial to intercepting and interpreting the transmissions between Egypt and the other Arab States, prior to the outbreak of the Six Day War. He was credited with being the sole person who gave the Israeli Defense Forces the information needed in making the first strike decision, therefore preventing the Arab States from gaining air superiority. His ten-year rise to the head of Mossad Special Operations at the young age of thirty-two was inevitable.
Ahman, although not shocked by Cleric Khamayseh’s death, was stunned at the precision and professionalism of the assassination. Only the Shin Bet could have masterminded such a precise killing. They, along with the Mossad, were the only ones in the Middle East that had the sophisticated intelligence gathering to know when to carry out the attack and the undercover people to accomplishment the feat. What puzzled him was that security measures had been invoked at the Mosque several months before and every man entering the Mosque was now searched for weapons.
Ahman went over the entire incident several times in his mind. Could it be that the Israelis sent in women assassins? Of course knowing Islamic Law, it would be unheard of to search a woman! My enemy is more than smart. It was a ruthless act to murder a man of religion in his own house of worship. I must be more cunning and astute to outfox the adversary of my people.
The Mossad had Ahman Imad Rahman on their radar screen for several years and he knew this.
My close relationship with Cleric Khamayseh has me a target as well, Ahman thought. I better remove myself as being affiliated with this Mosque. I’ll make my plans elsewhere in the Middle East where the Mossad does not have the ability to track me. I have the construction company as my front and I’ll use it to my fullest advantage.
CHAPTER 8
EDUCATING NASIH, 1976
M.A.H. Construction, under Ahman’s father’s direction, had been doing business with suppliers in Israel for several years. Ahman had been introduced to the various companies and built a strong relationship with the owners who found his outgoing personality, his ability to speak Hebrew, and most of all, the timely payment of his bills an asset to their business.
One supplier in Tel Aviv was Star Masonry Supplies, where Ahman purchased all of his cement. Sand and gravel could be obtained locally, but quality Portland cement was only available from Star Masonry Supplies in Israel. Jordan could supply Portland cement, but the quality was inconsistent and after having to tear down a building that had become unstable using the Jordanian product, Ahman made the decision to solely buy from Israel even though it bothered him immensely. He had a good business relationship with the owner Jacob Keinan.
Ahman knocked on the door to Jacob’s office and walked in saying, “Salomon.”
Jacob rose and shook Ahman’s hand. “It’s good to see you again. How’s business?”
“We are doing very well and I have branched out to Syria and Egypt, but I am not here to discuss business.” Ahman paused for a moment watching Jacob’s eyebrows rise. “I have a favor that I’m embarrassed to ask of you.”
“Ahman, I’ve done business with your company for many years and you were one of my first customers.”
Ahman sensed he had the upper hand. “As you know, I have a nephew, Nasih, who is a very brilliant child. In Ramallah the schools are poor at best. I’m afraid that his education will suffer and he’ll not have an opportunity for a better life. If he could attend a well-known Israeli academy, even for one year, it would open educational opportunities for him. He would have to live in Tel Aviv and I would of course pay for all his expenses and additionally for your trouble.”
“You mean live with my family?”
“If it wouldn’t be a burden to them,” replied Ahman.
Jacob was surprised. He had a nine-year-old son, Alan, and a thirteen-year-old daughter, Ruth. His wife Marium was an overly protective mother, but she was quite liberal with her views of the Arabs and Palestinians.
Jacob mulled the request over in his mind. “I’ll talk to my wife and children tonight and I’ll give you an answer in the morning.”
Ahman, after leaving, thought about the encounter. The Jew has taken the bait and it’s a done deal. I’m his largest Arab customer and he doesn’t want to lose me. By the end of tonight’s discuss
ion, he’ll have convinced his family that this is not only good for them to get a clearer understanding of the Arab neighbors, but it would also be a goodwill gesture that could have positive results for the business. For the Jews it always comes down to the money. A smile broke out on his face.
That night Jacob Keinan had the difficult task of convincing his wife Marium to accept a Palestinian child into their house.
“It’s only for a year,” shouted Jacob as the argument went on for almost an hour. “Besides, if it’s a problem, we can always send him home.”
Marium was not convinced as she retorted, “What about our children and their safety? Will he be a bad influence? You know I’m very busy with my community work. I don’t have time to look after another child, especially a Palestinian.”
“Since when have you had any time for the children? We have a full-time maid that takes care of everything including looking after them. ”
The children looked on with curious interest. The idea of a stranger amongst them was not totally alien, but a Palestinian? That posed some concern in their minds. How are we supposed to communicate with him?
Finally Jacob said, “We’ll meet with the boy and his uncle. Then we can make the final decision. I’ll call and invite both of them for dinner.”
The following day Jacob contacted Ahman. “Ahman, to tell you the truth, my wife has some concerns. Why don’t you and the boy come to dinner at my house on Sunday so we can meet both of you?”
Ahman graciously accepted the invitation and set out immediately to prepare Nasih for the interview. He purchased Nasih a new suit, shirt, shoes and a tie at the best shops in Jerusalem.
Ahman then drilled Nasih. “No matter what is said to you, you must at all times be calm and courteous. Never discuss religion and politics. You must completely understand your enemy and how they think in order to gain the upper hand.”
Nasih finally had enough. “Uncle, I’m not a stupid boy and I know my mission. I’ll be the perfect young man and will win their hearts.”
On Sunday, they made the fifty-five kilometer trip to Tel Aviv. Ahman again lectured Nasih. “Status and money are foremost in the Jewish world. These are the weaknesses that you’ll learn to exploit.”
Ahman pulled into the driveway of the Keinan’s home. “Remember that you are on your best behavior.”
An interesting scene took place when the children, whose curiosity was bubbling over, opened the door. Alan Keinan was the same age as Nasih and his sister Ruth was thirteen.
Nasih stood before them and spoke in fluent Hebrew, “Tzaharim tov, ani Nasih Raham; Zeh Hitanoog lifgosh otcha. (Good afternoon, I am Nasih Rahman; it is my pleasure to meet you.)”
Ruth Keinan was startled. Before her was a young man about her height, with dark piercing eyes and black hair. She couldn’t help staring at his face. He looks like a Greek god. I’ve never seen a more handsome boy and he speaks Hebrew.
Nasih turned directly to Alan and again in Hebrew said, “Ani Mikoveh sh-anachnu y’cholim l’ha-asot hachi tovim shel y’didim. Ani Maveen otcha ohav kadur regel v’zeh gam ha sport ha-ahoov. (I hope we can become best of friends. I understand you love soccer and this is also my favorite sport.)”
Marium extended her hand to Nasih. “We were looking forward to meeting you.”
Nasih, shaking her hand, said, “Ha-atah hayeeta oti babayit shelcha kfiane moosshpal al yadi haoved she-oraiach shelcha. (I am humbled by the fact you would have me in your home as your guest.)” He then complimented them on the house and its furnishings.
During dinner, Ahman made sure that the conversation centered on education and careers. Politics and religion were never discussed. In every case, Nasih showed wisdom equal to an adult. No matter how he felt about his parents’ death, he controlled his emotions and was the perfect guest. By the end of the meal everyone in the Keinan household had enthusiastically approved Nasih to be in their home for one year.
Benjamin Werner reviewed the file on Ahman Rahman and couldn’t find any activity that raised suspicion. How was this man, who had been so close to Cleric Khamayseh, not having meetings or voicing any opinions regarding the Palestinian plight, the PLO, or having affiliation with any radical Muslin group? Has the assassination of Khamayseh scared Ahman into changing his views or is he just playing out a role, trying his best to outwit us?
The Mossad Special Operations carefully monitored Ahman’s business and financial activities with reports that were updated weekly. Benjamin was keenly aware of Ahman’s nephew, Nasih, residing in Tel Aviv with the Keinan family.
Benjamin was puzzled that a Jewish family brought a Palestinian stranger into their house. What alternative motives does Ahman have? Is he willing to sacrifice his only nephew to avenge the death of his brother? Unlikely, but the Arab’s propensity to take revenge has no limits. A scowl came across his face and he decided a visit to Jacob Keinan was necessary.
Ruth Keinan was infatuated. It had been seven weeks since Nasih arrived and every time she saw him, her young heart skipped a beat.
“God,” Ruth told a friend at school, “I would love to kiss him, but I’m afraid he would be too shy.”
Every time Ruth appeared either in a bathing suit by the pool or coming to breakfast in her robe, Nasih wouldn’t make direct eye contact and avoided being alone with her.
Nasih, on the other hand, viewed the girl’s flirting with intrigue. No Arab parent would allow their daughter to be seen by their brothers, much less a total stranger, in this manner.
Marium Keinan was a very busy person involved with many charities in the Tel Aviv area. Her arrival home was sometimes after her husband. The maid would prepare dinner and keep an eye on the children.
Ruth was very aware of the maid’s diligence and was always home on time working to complete her schoolwork.
Thursdays were a different story. This was the maid’s day off and it was Alan’s soccer practice after school. He attended private lessons and would not be home until five o’clock. This is when Jacob’s daughter Ruth hatched her plan.
Nasih arrived to an empty house and called out. “Is anyone home?”
Ruth responded, “I’m out on the patio, by the pool. Would you please bring me a soda?”
Nasih put his books down on the kitchen table, took a can from the refrigerator and headed for the pool area. Ruth was laying face up on a chaise lounge covered with a towel. When Nasih arrive he leaned over to give her the soda. She slowly rose allowing the towel to slip, revealing her breasts.
At thirteen Ruth was already well endowed and the mounds of white flesh and brown nipples were staring directly into Nasih’s eyes. He froze at the sight, not knowing whether to turn his head or to just straighten up and walk away. Before he could react to either thought, Ruth took his free hand and placed it upon her breast.
Nasih’s mind raced wildly. What is she doing?
“What do you think of these?” she asked.
Nasih’s hand was still on her breast. He couldn’t speak, as if some demon had taken hold of him, not allowing him to control his thoughts. He felt his manhood go erect and a strange sensation of passion fill his young loins.
Shaking all thoughts from his mind, Nasih spoke very quietly as he removed his hand. “Ruth, I think you’re a beautiful woman with a body to match, but I’m a guest of your parents and it’s wrong for me to pursue this any further with you. I’m sorry.”
The mention of parents jolted Ruth from her sexual fantasy. She reached up and kissed Nasih on the lips and covered herself up. “I find you fascinating Nasih, but you’re always the gentleman. Please forgive me for my behavior.”
Nasih responded, “As far as I’m concerned, this never happened.”
“Thank you,” Ruth said, sadly watching him leave the patio.
Nasih tried to put the entire episode behind him, but his body would not allow him to move on. He still felt the warmth in his loins. A feeling he had never experienced before. He was disturbed that he couldn’t place his
body under the control of his mind.
“I need to have greater strength,” Nasih told himself. He then recited several passages from the Qur’an to achieve his goal.
Afterwards, Nasih analyzed the afternoon’s events along with other encounters with the girls he had met at school. He previously took their friendliness as just that and, of course, their curiosity of having a Palestinian amongst them who wasn’t a laborer or housekeeper. His charm, good looks and intelligence made him stand out in the school, but now he understood it was more than friendship the girls sought.
The incident with Ruth aside, Nasih tried his best to deflect the looks that she would give him whenever they were in a room together.
It was her brother Alan, who saw her blatant flirtations said laughingly, “Are you falling in love with an Arab? You need to remember your heritage.”
Ruth brushed off his remarks. “He’s interesting. Besides, most of the girls at school like him.”
Alan thought, Yes, Nasih is too popular.
There was also discontentment from the teaching body who resented an Arab was allowed to attend what was an all-Jewish academy, no matter that the school’s major benefactor had made the request. Many in the faculty thought him unqualified to attend the school, but Nasih scored so high on the entrance exam, they had no choice but to place him ahead of his age group.
Benjamin Werner made a phone call to Jacob Keinan, posing as a reporter for an Israeli construction trade publication. Enticing him to an interview for the next publication, he lured the unsuspecting Jacob to a building that the Mossad had used as a front. Benjamin used a facial disguise to hide his features.
The building had a modest restaurant and a boutique on the first floor, a second story storage area and a sound proof third floor used for interrogation.
It was a cordial lunch discussing the construction industry that Benjamin had been briefed on the day before. Upon completing lunch, Benjamin said to Jacob, “Please come to my office to continue the interview.”
The Third Cell Page 6