Israel returns to Greece antiquities discovered and seized in warehouses in Gush Dan

Israel has returned 22 ancient artifacts to Greece, which were seized in 2020 from warehouses in the Gush Dan area. The handover ceremony took place at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens after the conclusion of legal proceedings. This marks the first time Israel has returned antiquities to Greece.

Israel has returned 22 ancient artifacts to Greece, seized in 2020 from warehouses in the Gush Dan region. The handover ceremony was held at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens following the completion of legal proceedings in Israel and the confiscation of the finds. The Israel Antiquities Authority noted that this is the first instance of Israel returning antiquities to Greece. The items were discovered during an investigation into the illegal trade of archaeological artifacts. The operation was conducted jointly by the Antiquities Authority's Theft Prevention Unit, the Israel Police, and the Tax Authority. Among the returned items are ancient Greek pottery, including vessels from the 7th century BCE decorated in a style influenced by the art of the Ancient Near East, as well as painted vessels with figures and scenes from Greek mythology, dating from the 8th to 4th centuries BCE. The ceremony was attended by Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, Israeli Ambassador to Greece Pninit Yanai, and Amir Ganor, head of the Antiquities Authority's Theft Prevention Unit. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting cultural heritage objects.