Security authorities remain on alert after preventing the terrorist attack on the Jewish restaurant-Synagogue in Psirri which the two Pakistanis who were arrested planned to execute and are apologizing tomorrow before the investigator. Both the EYP and Anti-Terrorism point out that the investigation into the particularly serious case is still at the beginning, while answers are pending from the Forensic Laboratories where mobile phones and other material have been transferred.

The authorities are looking for the premises used by the two arrested, as well as the network for the supply of the weapons they would use to carry out the bloodletting plan. According to information, an apartment, which was allegedly used by the two Pakistanis, has already been checked.

The arrest of the two Pakistanis, aged 27 and 29, in the Omonia area, was expedited when the information gathered by the authorities indicated that the “Bataclan-style” attack would take place during the days of the Jewish Passover, between 5 a.m. and April 13. The “tentacles” of the terrorist network, however, have not yet been identified – the authorities know the “guide” and financier of the two arrested persons, who were promised a reward of 15,000 euros for each person they would kill in the restaurant-synagogue, which must it should be noted that at least 70 to 80 people visit daily, while during the holiday period this number will be higher. The Greek authorities succeeded in preventing the terrorist attack after receiving information from the Mossad, as part of the international cooperation of the intelligence and security services. Already, for the successful outcome of the case, the Greek authorities have been thanked and congratulated by the Prime Minister of Israel Netanyahu with an official announcement from his office, as well as by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eli Cohen, via Twitter.

Today, with his announcement, the Central Jewish Council of Greece congratulates the Hellenic Police and the EYP “for the coordinated and effective actions, which led to the preventing a terrorist strike against Jewish targets in a crowded area of ​​the historical center of Athens, and in the parallel arrest and dismantling of a core of terrorists in our country”.

“Dozens of human lives were saved thanks to the methodical work and the timely intervention of the security forces”, says the KISE, which in its letter to the Minister of Citizen Protection and the head of the Hellenic Police expresses its warm congratulations “for the coordinated efforts and the effective work thanks to which human lives were saved, ensuring the well-being of the country’s citizens and the safety of its visitors.”

“The effectiveness of the Greek Police and security services is at the same time a clear response of our country against terrorism and strengthens the trust and sense of security of citizens and visitors”, notes the KISE, underlining that “Greece is a safe country”.

Rabbi: The restaurant is home to hundreds of citizens

Home to hundreds of citizens is the restaurant of Israeli interests in the center of Athens that entered targeting two Pakistanis who were arrested as members of a terrorist network who was preparing attacks on Greece.

Rabbi, who was in the particular Jewish restaurant-synagogue in Psirri in the morning, in order to pray, emphasized to ERT that on a daily basis around 70 to 80 people visit the restaurant, on the upper floor of which there is a synagogue, which shows the size of the tragedy that was fortunately avoided.

“I still can’t believe that yesterday when I came here to pray my life was threatened”

He stated that he is shocked by what was revealed, while he expressed his thanks and gratitude to the Greek authorities for the arrest of the two Pakistanis.

“People all over the world have been told what happened here. We are very satisfied that these two horrible people who wanted to destroy human lives were arrested by the Greek authorities with the assistance of the Israelis. I find it hard to believe that yesterday when I came here to pray, my life was threatened,” he said.