Israeli couple attacked in Athens, apparently after they were heard speaking Hebrew

An Israeli couple was attacked in Greece overnight, Hebrew media outlets report, apparently after the attacker overheard them speaking Hebrew.

The attack occurred shortly after midnight between Friday and Saturday, a local Greek media outlet reports. The couple were heading to their hotel from a restaurant on Ermou Street in central Athens when the assailants attacked them in an alley.

One of the Israelis suffered light injuries to the leg and head, but neither of them required hospitalization, the reports add.

The attackers were heard speaking Arabic ahead of the incident, according to an eyewitness. One of them fled the scene after the attack and has yet to be apprehended, but the other has been charged with racist violence, the Greek media outlet adds.

In response to the reports, the Foreign Ministry says the incident is being handled by its department for Israelis abroad in coordination with the Israeli Embassy in Athens.

The Foreign Ministry adds that the apprehended suspect is known to police for having previously participated in “pro-Palestinian demonstrations.”

“The two recognized the group of Israelis after noticing them speaking Hebrew and wearing a Star of David necklace,” it adds.