Was Red Sea Diving Resort Real?

By Michael Ferguson

The Red Sea Diving Resort is a Netflix original film that tells the story of a group of Mossad agents who set up a fake diving resort in Sudan as a cover to smuggle Ethiopian Jews to Israel in the early 1980s. While the movie is based on true events, many viewers have questioned whether the resort was actually real or not. In this article, we will explore the history behind the Red Sea Diving Resort and answer this question once and for all.

The History of the Red Sea Diving Resort

In the 1970s and 1980s, Ethiopia was in turmoil due to civil war and famine. Thousands of Ethiopian Jews were seeking refuge in Israel but were unable to leave due to government restrictions.

In response, Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, launched Operation Moses in 1984. The operation involved airlifting thousands of Ethiopian Jews from Sudan to Israel.

To facilitate this mission, Mossad agents set up a fake diving resort on the coast of Sudan called “Arous Holiday Village.” The resort was used as a cover for smuggling Ethiopian Jews out of Sudan by boat. The agents would bring groups of refugees to the resort under the guise of being tourists and then transport them by boat to waiting Israeli Navy vessels.

Was the Red Sea Diving Resort Real?

Yes, the Red Sea Diving Resort was real. It was a fully functioning resort that operated from 1972 until 1995 when it was abandoned due to political instability in Sudan. However, it was not used as a diving resort during its later years but instead served as a base for smuggling operations.

The movie takes some creative liberties with the story but overall stays true to what happened during Operation Moses. Many former Mossad agents have praised the film for its accuracy and attention to detail.

The Legacy of Operation Moses

Operation Moses was a remarkable feat of covert operations that saved thousands of lives. However, it was not without controversy. The operation was criticized for not doing enough to ensure the safety of the refugees during their journey and for leaving behind those who did not make it to Sudan in time.

In 2018, Israel officially recognized Operation Moses as a national mission and honored those who participated in it. The Red Sea Diving Resort may no longer exist, but its legacy lives on as a symbol of Israel’s commitment to rescuing Jews in danger around the world.

Conclusion

In summary, the Red Sea Diving Resort was a real place that served as a cover for Mossad’s smuggling operations during Operation Moses. While the movie takes some creative liberties with the story, it accurately portrays what happened during this remarkable mission. The legacy of Operation Moses lives on as a testament to Israel’s commitment to protecting its people no matter where they are in the world.