Horror in Bulgaria: 'We were attacked only because we are Israelis'

Eight 18-year-old teenagers from Sderot were attacked at the Bulgarian resort of Sunny Beach after political chants near a nightclub. The conflict began with shouts of 'Free Palestine' and 'Am Yisrael Chai', escalating into a fight and chase. Two Israelis were beaten, one had pepper spray sprayed in his face. The teenagers barricaded themselves in the hotel. Israel's Foreign Ministry got involved, and Bulgarian investigators took statements on site.

Eight 18-year-old graduates from Sderot, vacationing at the Bulgarian resort of Sunny Beach, were attacked near a nightclub. According to a participant named Ziv, the conflict began with political chants: a group of tourists chanted 'Free Palestine', the Israelis responded with 'Am Yisrael Chai'. Several girls shouted anti-Israel slogans, others joined in, and a fight broke out. The teenagers tried to flee, split up, but two were caught and beaten; one had pepper spray sprayed in his face. In panic, they returned to the hotel and barricaded themselves in rooms for several hours. Families contacted Israel's Foreign Ministry, which became involved. Bulgarian investigators, considering the teenagers' fear of leaving the hotel, came to them and took statements. The incident occurred a few days after a similar attack in Crete, where Israeli youths were attacked with bottles and air guns. Israel's Foreign Ministry expressed concern and urged tourists to be cautious.