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Antiquities repatriation between Greece and Israel

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2026-10-13 16:07 UTC → 2026-10-14 07:17 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Greece has received 22 antiquities from Israel that were identified as having been illegally removed from the country. The collection, which was seized by Israel’s Anti-Trafficking Unit, includes 15 Attic vessels of black-figure, red-figure, and black-glazed styles, six Corinthian vessels, and one bronze female figurine currently undergoing authenticity investigations. During a handover ceremony at the National Archaeological Museum, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni noted that this event marks the first time Israel has returned antiquities to Greece. The collection includes pottery dating to the Archaic and Classical periods, with artifacts provisionally dated between approximately 700 B.C. and 320 B.C. The items were handed over to Minister Mendoni by Israeli Ambassador Pninat Yanay and Amir Ganor, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority’s theft prevention division. The cooperation is intended to signal a new era of partnership between the two nations to combat the illegal trafficking of cultural goods and protect heritage. Minister Mendoni stated that the return serves as a starting point for closer collaboration to address archaeological theft and organized criminal networks involved in the illegal trade of cultural property. This cultural exchange occurs amid strengthening ties between Greece and Israel, which have recently expanded cooperation in the energy and defense sectors.

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