Culture
Israel returns 22 ancient artifacts to Greece in first such handover
October 14, 2026 at 03:56 AM
Coverage
2 reports · 1 in Arabic, 1 in English · over 2 hours
Israel has handed Greece 22 illegally removed ancient artifacts at a ceremony in Athens, marking the first antiquities return between the two countries.
- Israel transferred 22 artifacts — 15 Attic vases, six Corinthian vases, and a bronze female statuette — at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
- Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said the handover is the first time Israel has returned antiquities to Greece and marks the start of closer cooperation.
- Pninat Yanay, Israel's ambassador to Greece, said the Israel Antiquities Authority's Theft Prevention Unit located the items.
- Greek and Israeli officials did not disclose how the artifacts were discovered or removed from Greece.