Passing on in 2025, Aliza Magen, who helped track down terrorists in the 1972 Munich attack, became this agency’s top-ranking woman
The Final Jeopardy clue for Thursday, October 9, 2025, came from the category World Organizations and paid tribute to a figure who left a mark on global security. The clue read: “Passing on in 2025, Aliza Magen, who helped track down terrorists in the 1972 Munich attack, became this agency’s top-ranking woman.”
What is Mossad?
Aliza Magen was a pioneering figure in Israel’s national intelligence landscape. She spent decades serving in Mossad, Israel’s secretive and powerful foreign intelligence agency, which is known globally for its covert operations, particularly in counterterrorism. Over the course of her career, Magen rose through the ranks to become the highest-ranking woman in the agency’s history, eventually serving as deputy director — a position just one step below the Mossad chief.
Magen joined Mossad in the 1970s and built a reputation for strategic intelligence work and leadership in operations involving Israeli security interests abroad. Her involvement in high-stakes missions cemented her status within the organization. She was often described by colleagues as both pragmatic and daring, a figure who led with a sense of purpose during some of the agency’s most critical moments.
The Aftermath of the Munich Massacre
The 1972 Munich Olympics tragedy was a defining moment in international counterterrorism history. Members of the Palestinian group Black September infiltrated the Olympic Village and took 11 Israeli athletes hostage, ultimately murdering them during a failed rescue attempt. The attack shocked the world and triggered a global response from Israeli intelligence services.
Following the attack, Mossad launched “Operation Wrath of God,” a covert campaign aimed at identifying and eliminating those responsible for the massacre. Aliza Magen played a role in this extensive operation, which spanned multiple countries and years. Although the full extent of her contributions has remained classified, Israeli media and former intelligence figures have confirmed her involvement in mission planning and intelligence gathering tied to the operation.
Breaking Barriers Within Mossad
Mossad has traditionally been dominated by men, especially at the highest levels of command. Aliza Magen’s ascent to deputy director marked a turning point for the agency. She served under directors such as Shabtai Shavit and Danny Yatom, working on both tactical missions and long-term strategic planning.
Her tenure included work on political intelligence, human asset recruitment, and coordination with allied foreign agencies. Internally, Magen was known for mentoring younger operatives and advocating for the advancement of women within the agency. Though she never held the top position of Mossad director, her position as second-in-command was historic and paved the way for greater inclusion within the organization.
A Legacy in Israeli National Security
Aliza Magen passed away in 2025, prompting widespread acknowledgment of her role in Israel’s modern intelligence history. While much of her work remains classified, her public legacy is deeply tied to the Munich aftermath and the evolution of Mossad’s mission scope. Public tributes highlighted her dedication, operational acumen, and the quiet, disciplined nature of her service.
She is remembered not only for her contributions to major intelligence operations but also for breaking through institutional barriers and reshaping what leadership looked like in one of the world’s most formidable spy agencies. Her legacy continues to influence discussions about gender representation and leadership in military and intelligence communities.
Why “Mossad” Was the Correct Response
Given the reference to the 1972 Munich attack and the mention of intelligence operations, the correct answer logically pointed to Mossad. This Israeli agency is globally recognized for its counterterrorism work and had a direct role in retaliatory actions after the Munich tragedy. Aliza Magen’s rise to become the top-ranking woman within Mossad — an organization shrouded in secrecy — made her a figure of historical significance.
The clue offered a compelling combination of recent news (her death in 2025), historical events (Munich 1972), and her career achievement, all converging on Mossad as the correct response. For those familiar with international security history, this Final Jeopardy question highlighted both a pivotal moment in counterterrorism and the legacy of a trailblazing woman in intelligence