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Nine Israeli Tourists Detained Over Misidentified Salt Bag

1/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Nine Israeli tourists were detained at the Ukraine-Moldova border after authorities misidentified a bag of salt as an illicit substance.
They were held overnight without food or communication.
The group was released after over 20 hours, following appeals to local officials including MK Ze'ev Elkin and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.
Rabbi Shneur Wigler said Ukrainian officials cooperated once the bag contained only salt.

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Story summary

Nine Israeli tourists were detained at the Ukraine-Moldova border after authorities misidentified a bag of salt as an illicit substance.
They were held overnight without food or communication.
The group was released after over 20 hours, following appeals to local officials including MK Ze'ev Elkin and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.
Rabbi Shneur Wigler said Ukrainian officials cooperated once the bag contained only salt.