Two Israeli Teens Released in Greece After Assault Incident Must Return for Trial

Seventeen-year-olds Liam and Yonatan were released to return home after being detained in the Greek resort town of Malia about two weeks ago. They had helped Israeli youths hide in their hotel room while fleeing attackers who shouted "Free Palestine" and tried to break into the hotel. The attackers pursued the Israelis from a local club and attempted to force entry into the hotel and the teens' room, throwing objects at the door. The teens opened their door to shelter the fleeing Israelis during the chaos. The next morning, the two were arrested after a hotel maid found a hatchet in their room. The teens claimed one of the Israelis they sheltered brought the hatchet inside for self-defense.

Their lawyer, Nir Yeslovitz, appealed to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, warning that prosecuting the teens could embolden attackers and increase risks to Israelis and Jews. The teens were interrogated without a Hebrew translator despite requesting one, and signed documents in Greek. Yonatan also reported feeling unwell during questioning but was denied medical care. They were released after no fingerprints linked them to the hatchet and no direct or indirect connection to the weapon was found. However, Greek authorities ordered them to return in November for further legal proceedings.