Bob Levinson's death isn't what made him a hero – opinion

Bob Levinson deserves to be remembered and honored. In an organization that prides itself on its unparalleled ability to conduct complex investigations, Bob stood out as an FBI superstar.

By STEVEN L. POMERANTZ
Robert Levinson (photo credit: screenshot)
Robert Levinson
(photo credit: screenshot)
The recent report of Robert Levinson’s death in Iranian captivity brings a tragic end to a 13-year effort to see the former FBI agent returned safely to his family and the country he served for more than three decades.
Levinson was captured on Kish Island in March 2007 while he was under CIA contract. For 13 years the Iranian regime denied, obfuscated and lied about having knowledge of Bob’s whereabouts and detention. He remained in their custody throughout, suffering ill health while being subjected to harsh treatment and horrifying conditions.
Bob Levinson deserves to be remembered and honored. In an organization that prides itself on its unparalleled ability to conduct complex investigations, Bob stood out as an FBI superstar.
In New York, he worked organized-crime cases and contributed substantially to the ultimately successful campaign to cripple the Mafia in that city. In Miami, he played a major role in the FBI’s expanded effort to investigate international drug cartels, which were importing illegal narcotics that wreaked havoc on American society.
“Bobby,” as he was generally known, was anything but one-dimensional. In my time at the FBI, he was recognized by both his peers and superiors as a highly talented agent, and had a well-deserved reputation as an all-around “good guy” worthy of affection and respect.
In a statement announcing the news of Bob’s death, the Levinson family thanked those in the US government who had worked to facilitate his release. They praised the efforts of President Trump, as well as cabinet members, directors of both the CIA and the FBI, and members of Congress - Democrats and Republicans alike. Yet the family also placed blame for what happened to Bob on “those in the US government who for many years repeatedly left him behind.”
The Levinson family, in the same statement, recognized the dedicated “men and women of the FBI” who over the years viewed Bob’s case as “a personal mission.”
“We cannot even begin to describe our gratitude,” they said. “He will always be one of the FBI’s own.”
I know what they say is true. The personnel assigned to this case, supported by FBI leadership, gave it their best. The Society of Former Agents of the FBI never wavered in their support of the Levinsons and did everything possible to keep Bob’s story in the public spotlight. The FBI truly is a family, and that is especially evident when any member faces adversity.
OF COURSE, the resolution of this matter was ultimately and always in the hands of the Iranian regime. Sadly, we saw these people act in a deplorable manner, entirely consistent with their past behavior. Their statements about Bob’s abduction and captivity were deceptively false and sometimes contradictory. Their repeated denials of knowledge of his whereabouts, coupled with their offers to assist in locating him, were painfully manipulative and cruel.
If any further evidence is necessary to expose the foolishness of trusting the Iranian regime, the Levinson case provides it in abundance.
We asked a simple question: “Are you holding Robert Levinson, yes or no?” It was much less complex than the many questions surrounding their nuclear program, or their activities as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. Yet all we got in response were lies and more lies.
Bob Levinson’s blood, spilled by the Iranian regime, has sadly been added to that of too many Americans. From the 241 US military personnel killed in the 1983 barracks bombings in Beirut, to the hundreds struck down more recently in the Middle East and Afghanistan by Iranian weapons, America has long suffered the consequences of Tehran’s malice.
While Bob will not be rejoining his loving family, his story is not yet over. The Levinsons, the FBI, and indeed the American people still demand and deserve answers. Bob’s body must be returned immediately so that his family can find some degree of closure and mourn as is their due.
We also need to know exactly what happened to Bob during his confinement, as well as the circumstances surrounding his death. Most of all, we need to identify those people responsible for his abduction, captivity, abuse and death, and vigorously work to bring them to justice.
Bob Levinson’s story inspires reflection on the sacrifices made by those who selflessly spend their lives, mostly in anonymity, in the service of their country.
There is a quotation carved into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC, which reads, “It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived.” Nobody’s life embodies the spirit of that sentiment more than Bob Levinson’s.
Steven L. Pomerantz, former assistant director of the FBI, is director of the Homeland Security Program at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA).


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