Israeli Teenagers Attacked in Berlin After Speaking Hebrew

Four 18-year-old Israelis reported being attacked in Berlin after their assailants overheard them speaking Hebrew. The group, who were on a pre-army trip across Europe, stated they encountered hostility early in their journey, forcing them to be quiet in certain locations. The incident occurred two days after their arrival in Berlin when, while heading to a club at night, they noticed two men speaking Arabic. According to one of the teenagers, identified as O., the men became angry upon hearing the Israelis speak Hebrew. When O. and a friend approached their companions, one of the assailants allegedly punched O.'s friend in the face. The group attempted to help their injured friend and fled, fearing the attacker might be armed. During the chase, the assailants reportedly stole the injured friend's phone, which contained his bank card. After evading their pursuers, the Israelis contacted the police, who escorted them back to their accommodation. The group quickly left Berlin for another country. They have since blocked the stolen bank card and remotely reset the phone. Despite the attack, the friends intend to continue their European tour and support the injured member financially. This incident follows a similar reported attack on young Israelis in Crete about six weeks prior, where they claimed pro-Palestinian activists assaulted them at their hotel.