Israeli Cantor Detained at Budapest Airport Over Counterfeit Bill

Renowned Israeli cantor Elhanan Shimshoni was detained and questioned at Budapest Airport in Hungary on Tuesday night. Shimshoni was returning from Uman, Ukraine, where he had been for the Rosh Hashanah holiday, visiting the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov.

The reason for his detention was a counterfeit banknote found in his possession. Shimshoni stated he had received the bill as change from a vendor in Uman and was unaware it was fake. He was detained along with his two sons, who were traveling with him back to Israel.

The children reportedly called their mother in distress during the detention, explaining their father had been taken by police. Due to the investigation, Shimshoni missed his scheduled flight back to Israel and was expected to travel on a later flight.

Shimshoni was eventually released after several hours of questioning.