Desk statuette in the shape of a monument, set with a medallion, presented as a token of appreciation by the head of the Israeli Mossad, Shabtai Shavit, to his deputy, David Kimche, upon the completion of his term in 1980.
At its top, the statuette is set with a copper medallion. On its front appears the verse from Mishley 11: “באין תחבולות יפול עם ותשועה ברוב יועץ” (“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety”) – the motto of the Israeli Mossad. On the back of the medallion is inscribed: “This nation would surely wish to say thank you to the warriors of concealment and the men of secret and enigma, and perhaps add a heartfelt word of affection. The nation would surely wish to – if only it knew the address.” At the base of the statuette is an engraved dedication: “To Dave, with appreciation for your years of service – Sh.S.”
(Shabtai Shavit. Dave was the nickname of David Kimche as a Mossad officer.)
Shabtai Shavit [1939–2023], Israeli security official. In 1964, upon completing his university studies, he joined the Mossad. He served as a collection officer in the Tzomet Division, and later as the organization’s operations officer. Among other roles, he operated in Iran during the reign of the last Shah. Shavit was the last Mossad chief whose name was censored during his tenure. His term as head of the Mossad was marked by a shift from regionally focused intelligence work to broad deployment and engagement in global intelligence.
David Kimche [1928–2010], senior Israeli government official and PhD in international relations, served as deputy head of the Mossad and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Kimche joined the Mossad in 1953; his first role was as an instructor at the School of Political Science in Jerusalem. In 1955 he transferred to the Tzomet Division (responsible for human intelligence) and served as station chief in a European country. He was later appointed head of a department in the Tevel Division (responsible for intelligence and diplomatic liaison), and during the 1960s he carried out numerous missions in Africa and Asia. In 1968 he was appointed to establish the Mossad’s Headquarters Division, tasked with coordinating and centralizing the organization’s operational branches. During his Mossad service, Kimche operated under various covers, including journalist, businessman, and diplomat. In 1980 he retired from the Mossad and was appointed Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a position he held until 1986.
Height: 20 cm. Length: 15 cm. Depth: 5 cm. Wooden base. Very good condition.
