Greek embassy condemns attack on Israeli Arab tourist in Crete

The Embassy of Greece in Israel condemned the brutal attack on 24-year-old Fahad Qubati, an Israeli Arab. He was staying in Crete when he was attacked for listening to Hebrew music after being mistaken for a Jew. Local police are investigating the incident.

On Monday, the Embassy of Greece in Israel strongly condemned the attack and confirmed that local authorities are conducting a thorough investigation.

Fahad Qubati, a 24-year-old Christian tourist from Nazareth who was vacationing in the seaside town of Malia, was hospitalized with jaw and head injuries.

The attack, which occurred last Wednesday, was first reported by Israeli news service Ynet.

Fahad Qubati went for a ride with several Jewish tourists. The attackers heard Hebrew music playing in his car and proceeded to attack. They brutally beat him until he showed them the cross he was wearing. It turns out that Fahad is a recently discharged soldier of the Israel Defense Forces.

This was not just an attack, it was an attempted murder. I pray for my son's recovery and will seek to bring the perpetrators to justice — said the victim's mother, Jacqueline Qubati, in an interview with Ynet.

After the incident was publicized in Israel, the Greek Embassy in Tel Aviv issued a statement strongly condemning the attack.

Greece strongly condemns the brutal attack on an Israeli citizen last Wednesday... and the authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Acts of violence are unacceptable. All Israelis are welcome in Greece, which is a completely safe tourist destination — reads the statement.

Israel and Greece maintain strong relations, and Greece has become an extremely popular tourist destination for Israelis, who increasingly opt out of trips to neighboring Turkey due to its leader's growing support for Hamas.