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Unveiling Israel's 1979 Tehran Escape: A Hidden Mission

1/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The latest What Matters Now episode features host Amanda Borschel-Dan interviewing Mitch Ginsburg about the February 20, 1979, return of the last 33 Israeli officials from Tehran after the Israeli embassy closed.
Ginsburg narrates the escape led by Brigadier General Itzik Segev, who used false identities to evade danger and contact an American delegation.
The episode also recounts Ginsburg's account of a secret Israeli envoy mission during the Shah's days.

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Story summary

The latest What Matters Now episode features host Amanda Borschel-Dan interviewing Mitch Ginsburg about the February 20, 1979, return of the last 33 Israeli officials from Tehran after the Israeli embassy closed.
Ginsburg narrates the escape led by Brigadier General Itzik Segev, who used false identities to evade danger and contact an American delegation.
The episode also recounts Ginsburg's account of a secret Israeli envoy mission during the Shah's days.