...
Breaking Update

Herzog & Greek PM Visit Family of Jaffa Terror Victim

Israeli President Herzog & Greek PM Mitsotakis visit Jaffa terror victim Ionas Karussis' family, vowing to fight enemies for a better future.

Ministry of Foreign AffairsBreaking News

(Communicated by the President’s Spokesperson)

On Monday, December 22, 2025, President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece visited the family of Ionas “Yona” Karussis, a 26-year-old architecture student who was murdered in a terror attack in Jaffa in October 2024. President Herzog and Prime Minister Kyriakos expressed their condolences to Ionas’s parents, Professor Dimitrios Karussis and Dr. Ourania Karussis, Greek citizens who made their home in Jerusalem.

President Isaac Herzog:

“Welcome, dear Prime Minister, to Jerusalem. We are in the home of the Karussis family, whose son, Ionas, was murdered by terrorists last year in Jaffa, and we feel that there’s a bridge here of Israelis and Greeks.

“The relationship between Israel and Greece has grown dramatically, and you’re here for a trilateral meeting, also with Cyprus. I think we can develop the Eastern Mediterranean in a very substantial way for the benefit of all nations of the region, including our neighbors, the Palestinians, and, of course, the Arab states, going all the way to India. This has huge potential for so many things that humanity wants to see.

“But the fact that we are here in this home tells us and reminds us that we have to fight our enemies, and we have to change the reality in the region for a better future so that beautiful flowers like Ionas will not be killed by terrible people that surround us. Thank you for coming, and welcome to Israel.”

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis:

“Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you to the Karussis family for being so kind to open up their house welcoming us today. Ionas’s assassination was a tragic event which reminds us of the necessity to fight terrorism in all its forms. And I want, again, to offer to the parents of Ionas our full support. We plan next year to fund a scholarship in his memory, and I know that his life might have been cut short by this horrible terrorist, but he left behind him a legacy of goodness, and his memory will live on.

“The Karussis family is a bridge of friendship between our two countries. Rest assured, Mr. President, that the strategic relationship between Greece and Israel has never been stronger. And if you include also Cyprus, as you said, you have three countries that are working together for a peaceful and stable Eastern Mediterranean. And this should be the hope of all of us, especially as we come towards Christmas, a celebration of peace and friendship. This is the spirit that we want present in this part of the world.”

author avatar
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Live Breaking Updates

Breaking News Coverage

Real-time breaking news coverage from Israel and the Middle East. Stay informed with the latest developments as they happen.

Wednesday, 28 January 2026Updated continuously
Economy5 hours agoNew

New Law Will Strengthen National Food Security

Israel's Knesset passes new law to boost national food security with wheat and fodder stock reporting, enhancing emergency preparedness and data-driven.

Security5 hours agoNew

Suspected Border Infiltration in Southern Israel Dismissed

IDF forces deployed near Moshav Paran after identifying suspicious movement but ruled out border infiltration, confirming no security incident.

Crime6 hours agoNew

Filipino Illegally Residing in Israel Accused of Taking Over an Israeli’s Home

An illegally residing Filipino national in Israel is accused of taking over an Israeli nursing home resident's home for eight months & issuing restraining.

Technology7 hours agoNew

Israel Saw Over 26,000 Cyber-Attacks in 2026

Israel's National Cyber Directorate reported over 26,000 cyber-attacks in 2025, a 55% increase. The new national cyber plan focuses on cloud security, AI.

Economy7 hours agoNew

Overnight Hotel Stays by Tourists Plummeted 75.9% in 2024

Israeli tourist hotels saw overnight stays plunge 75.9% in 2024, dropping to 1.9 million as the country grapples with post-war tourism challenges.

Security7 hours agoNew

Four People ‘Rescued’ After Illegally Entering Jericho

Israeli police rescued one Israeli citizen and three foreign residents illegally entering Jericho, highlighting the life-threatening dangers of entering.

Holidays9 hours ago

Historic State Ceremony Marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day Held in a Muslim Country

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar attended a historic Holocaust Remembrance Day state ceremony in Kazakhstan, a Muslim nation, highlighting the rise of.

Security11 hours ago

Israel Confirms Striking Hezbollah Operatives in Underground Facility

The Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday confirmed striking Hezbollah terrorists the previous day while they were operating at an underground ...

Israel Society12 hours ago

Israeli Lawmakers Move to Scrap Age Ceiling for Foster Parents Amid Family Shortage

Israeli lawmakers are advancing a bill to scrap the 56-year age limit for foster parents, addressing a shortage with over 70 children awaiting placement.

Health14 hours ago

Israel Braces for High Air Pollution as Dust From Africa Persists

Israel's Health and Environmental Ministries warn of high air pollution from North African dust affecting central and Negev regions, advising sensitive groups.