Israeli Tourists Assaulted and Pepper-Sprayed by Pro-Palestinian Group in Bulgaria

A group of young Israeli tourists visiting the Sunny Beach resort in Bulgaria experienced a violent attack by a pro-Palestinian group. Two of the victims, Ilai and Itamar, recounted to "HaOlam HaBoker" how a night out at a local club escalated into a brutal confrontation. After sensing hostility from locals, the Israelis were confronted outside the club by a group they identified as pro-Palestinian. When they tried to return to their hotel, the attackers pursued them, beating them with fists, spraying them with pepper spray, and throwing stones while shouting "Free Palestine."

During the assault, Ilai pleaded with one attacker, saying, "I'm just a little kid, I really didn't do anything," but his pleas were ignored as the violence continued relentlessly. The sense of abandonment worsened when Ilai sought help from hotel staff and was met with blatant anti-Semitism, with an employee stating, "I'm not a fan of Jews." The local police also failed to provide adequate assistance, arriving late and not ensuring the victims' safe return to the hotel. This incident highlights not only street-level violence but also institutional indifference and overt hatred from service providers in the area.