Mossad Operation Diamond Coin

A faceted diamond sits at the apex, a direct and elegant reference to the mission's codename, "Operation Diamond." In intelligence, a "diamond" signifies a high-value asset or a perfectly executed, multi-faceted operation. This symbol crowns the achievement, representing the brilliance, strength, and ultimate value of this intelligence victory.

This is the Hebrew name for the mission. “Yahalom” (יהלום) means “Diamond,” the code name given by the Mossad to this high-stakes intelligence operation.

Original language: "מבצע יהלום"

Transliteration: Mivtsa Yahalom

Translation: “Operation Diamond”

This inscription marks the year of the operation according to the Hebrew calendar, grounding the event in the timeline of our people.

Original language: "תשכ"ו"

Transliteration: Tashkav

Translation: The Hebrew year 5726, which corresponds to 1965–1966.

The aircraft is a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, the premier Soviet-bloc fighter of its era. Its acquisition was a monumental intelligence victory. Upon its arrival in Israel, the jet was aptly designated "007," a nod to the fictional spy James Bond, reflecting the daring, cloak-and-dagger nature of the mission. The number is clearly visible on the plane's nose.

Over the background, a line traces the perilous 90-minute journey undertaken by pilot Munir Redfa.

Origin: Baghdad, Iraq (בגדאד)

Destination: Hatzor, Israel (חצור)

The city of Jerusalem (ירושלים) is marked and paired with a Star of David (Magen David). This star is the preeminent symbol of Judaism and the modern State of Israel. Its placement here anchors the operation not just as a military victory, but as an act in service to the heart of the Jewish people.

The destination, Hatzor Airbase (חצור), is marked alongside a star. This star is the core symbol of the Israeli Air Force. Its placement here signifies the direct involvement and readiness of the IAF in receiving the defecting pilot and his aircraft at the carefully chosen landing site.

These notes are a direct reference to the covert signal used to communicate with Munir Redfa. Israel's national radio service, Kol Yisrael, broadcast a specific Arabic song at a pre-arranged time to signal to the pilot that the plan for his defection was ready to be executed.

This is the official campaign ribbon for the Six-Day War. Its inclusion is a powerful statement, directly linking the intelligence from Operation Diamond in 1966 to Israel’s decisive air superiority and victory in 1967. The knowledge gained from studying the MiG-21 was instrumental in developing tactics to defeat it.

Inscription: Below the ribbon are the Eastern Arabic numerals for “1967.”

Original: "١٩٦٧"

Translation: “1967”

The official emblem of the State of Israel features a menorah, a symbol of light and ancient Jewish heritage, flanked by two olive branches representing the nation's deep longing for peace. Its presence signifies that Operation Diamond was undertaken in the service of the entire nation.

The MiG-21 is shown again, this time bearing its original Iraqi Air Force markings. On its nose are the Eastern Arabic numerals for “534,” the actual serial number of the aircraft Munir Redfa flew to Israel. This detail provides historical authenticity, identifying the specific aircraft that was the subject of this remarkable operation.

Original numerals: "٥٣٤"

Translation: “534”

The aircraft's tail bears the flag of Iraq used during that period: a tricolor of red, white, and black with three green stars. This detail authenticates the aircraft's origin at the start of its journey.

This trilingual inscription captures the moment of the operation's conclusion. Upon landing at Hatzor, pilot Munir Redfa was greeted in his native Arabic.

Original Hebrew: "מרחבתין מרחבתין"

Original Arabic: "مرحبتين مرحبتين"

English: “WELCOME WELCOME”

Transliteration: Marhabtein, Marhabtein

Translation: “A double welcome” or “Welcome, and welcome again.”

Context: This is the dual form of the Arabic word for welcome (Marhaba).

A book is depicted with "MiG-21" on its cover. This powerfully symbolizes the primary outcome of the mission: the "opening of the book" on the MiG-21's secrets. The aircraft was no longer a mystery but a known quantity whose vulnerabilities could be studied and exploited.

This text provides the same essential information for an international audience, ensuring the story of this remarkable achievement is understood across the world.

Text: “A Mossad operation, the acquisition of an Iraqi MiG-21 flown by Munir Redfa, on August 16,1966 landed at Hatzor air base in Israel.”