Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis joined Israeli President Isaac Herzog to visit the family of Ionas Karussis, a 26-year-old Greek-Israeli student killed in a 2024 terror attack in Tel Aviv. The heartfelt meeting took place in Jerusalem on December 22, 2025, as part of Mitsotakis’s broader trip to strengthen ties between Greece and Israel amid ongoing regional tensions.
Details of the Compassionate Visit
Mitsotakis and Herzog met with Ionas’s parents, Dimitris and Ourania Karussis, both respected doctors at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, along with his sister. The prime minister expressed deep condolences and admiration for the family’s strength in facing their loss.
He highlighted their role as a bridge between Greece and Israel, noting how the couple, originally from Thessaloniki, had built a life in Israel since the late 1980s. Mitsotakis shared that he had met the parents before in Athens and Jerusalem, showing his ongoing support.
During the visit, Mitsotakis announced plans for a scholarship program in Ionas’s memory. This initiative aims to honor the young architecture student’s legacy by supporting education in fields like design and innovation.
The gathering underscored the personal toll of violence in the region, with Herzog also offering words of comfort and unity.
Background on the Tragic 2024 Tel Aviv Attack
Ionas Karussis was one of seven victims in a deadly shooting in Jaffa, Tel Aviv, on October 1, 2024. Two Palestinian attackers opened fire at a light rail station, killing civilians before security forces stopped them.
Ionas, in his final year of architecture studies, was researching at the site when the attack happened. He held dual Greek and Israeli citizenship, and his death drew widespread grief in both countries.
The incident occurred amid heightened conflict in the Middle East, including missile strikes from Iran and ongoing clashes in Gaza. It highlighted the risks to everyday people in public spaces.
Public reactions poured in, with tributes describing Ionas as a playful yet serious young man full of promise. His passing also sparked discussions on security and peace efforts.
Here are key facts about the attack:
- Date and Location: October 1, 2024, Jaffa light rail station in Tel Aviv.
- Casualties: Seven killed, including Ionas; several others injured.
- Attackers: Two Palestinians from Hebron, armed with guns.
- Response: Israeli forces neutralized the threats quickly, but the event fueled calls for better safety measures.
New Scholarship to Remember Ionas
The scholarship program announced by Mitsotakis will focus on students pursuing architecture or related fields, reflecting Ionas’s passion. It is set to launch in 2026, with funding from Greek and Israeli sources.
Officials say it will promote cross-cultural exchanges, helping young people from both nations study abroad. This move turns tragedy into opportunity, aiding families affected by violence.
Dimitris Karussis, a leading neurologist, shared that he hopes the program builds unity. “Our son’s loss is immense, but it can foster stronger bonds,” he said in a statement.
Plans include annual awards, with the first recipients chosen based on academic merit and community involvement.
Strengthening Greece-Israel Ties Amid Regional Challenges
This visit fits into Mitsotakis’s larger agenda in Jerusalem and Ramallah. He attended a trilateral summit with leaders from Greece, Cyprus, and Israel to discuss defense, energy, and security.
Talks covered natural gas projects in the Eastern Mediterranean and joint military exercises. These efforts aim to counter threats from groups like Hezbollah and address energy needs in Europe.
Mitsotakis met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stressing the need for hostage releases and a Gaza ceasefire. The leaders called their nations “ancient peoples” linked by shared values from Athens and Jerusalem.
Recent events, such as Iran’s 2025 drone activities, have pushed these alliances forward. Greece has increased its role in regional stability, including aid to conflict zones.
| Key Aspects of Greece-Israel Cooperation | Details |
|---|---|
| Defense Partnerships | Joint training and technology sharing since 2020. |
| Energy Initiatives | EastMed pipeline discussions for natural gas exports. |
| Trilateral Framework | Involves Cyprus; focuses on security and trade. |
| Recent Milestones | 2025 summit addressed cyber threats and maritime safety. |
Family’s Resilience and Broader Impact
The Karussis family has shown remarkable dignity since the attack. Dimitris and Ourania, dedicated to medicine, continue their work while advocating for peace.
They view Ionas as a symbol of unity, with his story inspiring scholarships and dialogues. Public support has grown, including messages from global leaders.
This event reminds us of the human cost of conflict, urging better international cooperation.
As regional tensions persist into 2026, such personal stories highlight the push for lasting peace.
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