Israel returned a collection of 22 antiquities to Greece on Tuesday in the first official repatriation of such items between the two countries, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to recover cultural artifacts illicitly removed from their countries of origin. The handover took place at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens and involved government and cultural officials from both nations.
The returned items include 15 ancient Attic vessels, six Corinthian vases, and a bronze statue of a female figure, all dating from between the eighth and fourth centuries BCE. The Attic vessels comprise 11 black-and-white, three red-and-white, and one ambersgris piece from the ancient and classical periods, while the Corinthian vases belong to the ancient period. The bronze female statuette’s authenticity is still under review.
The artifacts were seized in 2020 during a coordinated investigation into illegal antiquities trafficking by the Israel Antiquities Authority’s (IAA) Theft Prevention Unit, the Israel Police, and the Israel Tax Authority. The joint operation targeted a gallery, warehouses, and apartments in the Gush Dan area near Tel Aviv, where thousands of illegally obtained archaeological objects from Israel and other countries were recovered.
Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, Israeli Ambassador to Greece Pinat Yanay, and IAA Theft Prevention Unit Director Amir Ganor attended the ceremony. Mendoni described the event as not only a return of cultural property but also a symbol of the “special, strong, and profound friendship” between Israel and Greece, two modern states with ancient civilizations that share a commitment to preserving historical heritage. Yanay reflected on the significance of the artifacts connecting past and present generations, expressing pride in Israel’s role in their repatriation.
Amir Ganor highlighted the broader implications of combating the illicit antiquities trade, noting it often serves as a cover for financing terrorism, organized crime, and money laundering. He emphasized that disrupting smuggling networks is crucial for protecting cultural heritage and preventing criminal activity.
Israel’s Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu stressed the importance of safeguarding historical evidence that connects people to their cultural identity. He welcomed the return as a demonstration of Israel’s commitment to fighting the illegal trade in antiquities and praised the collaborative efforts of both Israeli and Greek law enforcement agencies.
The repatriation followed ongoing cooperation between the IAA Theft Prevention Unit and the Greek Antiquities Police, including a recent joint enforcement workshop aimed at expanding information sharing, identifying suspected looted items, and tracing smuggling routes. Mendoni also referenced discussions earlier this year during her visit to Jerusalem about broadening cultural collaboration between the two countries. A memorandum of understanding to formalize joint efforts in protecting cultural heritage is expected to be signed in the near future.