"Mom, they came to kill us": a nightmare for Israelis in Greece

On Crete, an armed group broke into a hotel with Israeli tourists, who barricaded themselves in their rooms. A child sent a farewell message to his mother. Police arrived late; Israel's Foreign Ministry coordinated actions. The incident fits a trend of rising attacks on Israelis in Greece.

On the Greek island of Crete, in the resort town of Malia, a group of armed people with guns and axes broke into a hotel where Israeli tourists were staying. The attackers deliberately sought out Israelis and Jews, moving through floors and rooms. One of the most harrowing episodes: a child sent a farewell message to his mother, writing that he was very scared and had nowhere to run. The tourists' parents reported a serious security failure: police arrived with a noticeable delay, and hotel staff tried to shelter guests on their own. Israel's Foreign Ministry and embassy in Greece became involved, coordinating with local authorities. Police eventually dispersed the attackers. Tourists remain in their rooms under enhanced security, many trying to leave the country on the earliest flights. It is noted that the incident is not isolated and fits a worrying trend of rising attacks on Israelis in Greece.