‘Shocking antisemitic violence’ — Israelis attacked in Cyprus

Israeli officials said the victims appeared to be targeted because they were visibly Jewish.

By World Israel News Staff

Three Israeli nationals were violently attacked in Cyprus on Wednesday, with one of the victims suffering stab wounds in what Israeli officials described as an antisemitic assault.

According to Hebrew-language media reports, the three Israelis were attacked by suspects reportedly of Syrian origin and were allegedly targeted because their attire identified them as religiously observant Jews.

The attack took place in the Cypriot capital of Nicosia, where a 24-year-old Israeli man was stabbed in the eye by one of the assailants.

Cypriot authorities have not yet released further details about the suspects or the medical condition of the wounded Israelis.

“I am deeply shocked by the violent attack against Israeli citizens in Nicosia, targeted solely because of their visibly Jewish appearance,” Israeli Ambassador to Cyprus Oren Anolik wrote on his official X account.

“Such antisemitic violence has no place in Cyprus.”

The ambassador thanked Cypriot police for their “swift” response in arresting the suspects involved in the attack.

“Those responsible must face justice,” Anolik added.

“Amid a worrying and untypical rise in antisemitic incidents in Cyprus, clear and firm condemnation by leaders across the country is essential,” he said.

The incident comes amid growing concerns over antisemitism and security threats targeting Israelis and Jewish communities on the Mediterranean island.

On Saturday, Cypriot media reported that authorities had arrested two men — identified as non-Cypriot nationals — who were allegedly planning attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets in Cyprus.

“Police remain on alert, examining and analyzing every piece of information received and taking action when necessary,” police spokesman Veron Viros said in a statement.

According to a report by Hebrew-language business outlet Globes, an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 Israelis currently reside in Cyprus, which has become an increasingly popular destination for Israeli expatriates, tourists and business owners in recent years.