The Red Sea Diving Resort is a Netflix original movie that has been making waves since its release in 2019. It tells the story of a group of Israeli Mossad agents who, in the late 1970s, set up a fake diving resort in Sudan as a cover to smuggle Ethiopian Jews to Israel.
But the question on everyone’s mind is – Is the Red Sea Diving Resort a true story? Let’s find out.
The Real Story Behind The Red Sea Diving Resort
The short answer is yes, the Red Sea Diving Resort is based on a true story. In fact, it is based on one of the most audacious rescue missions carried out by the Mossad. The operation was dubbed “Operation Brothers” and was led by Ari Levinson, who was portrayed by Chris Evans in the movie.
The Backstory
In the late 1970s, Ethiopia was in turmoil. The country was facing drought and famine, and thousands of Ethiopian Jews were being persecuted.
Israel, which had a large population of Ethiopian Jews, wanted to bring them to safety. However, getting them out of Ethiopia proved to be difficult.
Setting Up The Operation
That’s when Ari Levinson came up with an ingenious plan. He decided to set up a fake diving resort in Sudan as a cover for smuggling Ethiopian Jews out of Ethiopia. With the help of local Sudanese officials, Levinson and his team set up the resort on the shores of the Red Sea.
The Rescue Mission
Over several years, “Operation Brothers” helped evacuate thousands of Ethiopian Jews from Sudan to Israel. It was an incredibly risky mission that required meticulous planning and execution.
What Did The Movie Get Right?
The movie does an excellent job of portraying how dangerous and complex the mission was. It also accurately depicts the political and social tensions that existed at the time, as well as the bravery and determination of the Mossad agents who carried out the mission.
What Did The Movie Get Wrong?
Of course, like any movie based on real events, there are some liberties taken with the story. For example, in the movie, it’s implied that Ari Levinson was a former Navy SEAL. However, in reality, Levinson was not a former Navy SEAL.
The Bottom Line
The Red Sea Diving Resort is a fantastic movie that accurately portrays one of the most daring rescue missions ever carried out by the Mossad. While there are some creative liberties taken with the story, it remains a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through courage and perseverance.