Topol, famous for his role as Tevye in the film ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ secretly worked for the Mossad, relatives revealed after his death.

By World Israel News Staff

Israeli actor Chaim Topol, best known for his portrayal of Tevye in the musical “Fiddler on the Roof” and its 1971 film adaptation, secretly worked on behalf of Israel’s spy agency, the Mossad, relatives revealed Thursday.

The Hebrew daily Ha’aretz published an exposé featuring an interview with Topol’s son, Omer, who said that his father volunteered to assist the Mossad.

“I don’t know exactly what the appropriate definition is,” Omer said, “but what is clear is that father was involved in secret missions on behalf of the Mossad.”

In the 1970s and 1980s, Topol used his status as a celebrity and ability to travel unfettered around the world with access to the most exclusive social circles for his work on behalf of the Mossad, the report said.

Topol’s wife and two of this three children recalled to Ha’aretz his mysterious trips abroad, during which he took a miniature camera and tape recorder.

“He took the camera and the recording equipment on every trip abroad,” said Topol’s daughter, Adi.

Omer named his father’s handler as Peter Zvi Malkin, and said that in one instance, the two worked together to drill a hole in the wall of an embassy maintained by an Arab state in order to install a listening device.

Other family members highlighted Topol’s other services to the State of Israel, including his public relations work for the IDF, accompanying foreign journalists and meeting with Egyptian generals during talks which culminated in the 1979 Israel-Egypt peace treaty.

“Chaim reminds me of Forrest Gump,” his widow Galia told Ha’aretz. “He was always at the important junctions where historic decisions were made for the country.”

Last month, the Tel Aviv-born actor passed away at the age of 87, following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu eulogized Topol as one of the country’s “greatest artists.”

“My wife Sara and I, like all Israeli citizens, with deep sorrow, are saying farewell to our dear and beloved Chaim Topol, who was one of the State of Israel’s greatest artists.”

“He greatly loved the land of Israel, and the people of Israel loved him in return…. Thanks to his broad smile, warm voice and unique sense of humor, he was a popular figure who conquered the heart of the people.”

“Topol had a huge heart. He fervently supported the justice of Israel’s path and enthusiastically believed in the Zionist vision…. Sadly, the fiddler on the roof is no longer with us. The strings of the fiddle have fallen silent. The story of Chaim Topol’s life has been sealed but I am certain that his contribution to Israeli culture will live on for generations.”

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“The story of Chaim Topol’s life has been sealed, but I am certain that his contribution to Israeli culture will live on for generations,” says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

By JNS

Israeli actor Chaim Topol, who gained international fame for his portrayal of Tevye in the stage and cinematic versions of the “Fiddler on the Roof,” died on Thursday in Tel Aviv after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.

He was 87 years old.

Topol was best known for his depiction of the central character in Shalom Aleichem’s musical, and then later in the 1971 film adaptation.

The actor was born in Tel Aviv in 1935, and began his career in the army’s entertainment troupe. He later toured Israel with various theatrical companies and eventually co-founded the Haifa Theater.

His breakthrough film role came in 1964 as the title character in Sallah Shabati, written by Israeli Ephraim Kishon. The comedy documented the chaos of Israeli immigration and settlement in the early years of the Jewish state.

Topol won a Golden Globe for the role for most promising newcomer, and the film became Israel’s first-ever nomination for an Oscar in the international film category.

Topol went on to appear in more than 30 films in Israel and the United States, including a role in the 1981 James Bond installment “For Your Eyes Only.”

He also won a Golden Globe for the portrayal of Tevye in the feature film “Fiddler on the Roof” and was nominated for an Academy Award in the best actor category for the role.

He appeared as Tevye onstage in more than 3,500 performances across the globe.

“My wife Sara and I, like all Israeli citizens, with deep sorrow, are saying farewell to our dear and beloved Chaim Topol, who was one of the State of Israel’s greatest artists,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday.

“He greatly loved the land of Israel, and the people of Israel loved him in return…. Thanks to his broad smile, warm voice and unique sense of humor, he was a popular figure who conquered the heart of the people,” continued Netanyahu.

“Topol had a huge heart. He fervently supported the justice of Israel’s path and enthusiastically believed in the Zionist vision…. Sadly, the fiddler on the roof is no longer with us. The strings of the fiddle have fallen silent. The story of Chaim Topol’s life has been sealed but I am certain that his contribution to Israeli culture will live on for generations,” he concluded.

Later in life, Topol devoted himself to philanthropy, serving as president of the Jordan River Village, a year-round camp in Israel’s lower Galilee for children with chronic illnesses and disabilities.

Topol also founded the Variety Israel nonprofit, which provides services to children with special needs.

In 2015 Topol was awarded the Israel Prize, widely considered the Jewish state’s highest honor.

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