Thank G-d!
A Day Before His Wedding: Brother of Journalist Yedidya Epstein Released from German Prison After 136 Days
Yedidya Epstein, who relentlessly advocated for his brother's release through social media and public appeals, shared his relief in an Instagram post: "A huge miracle! My brother Nehemiah was released a day before my wedding. 136 days of nightmare. Over 100 days in isolation, and long days in the dungeon. Today it ends."
In a dramatic turn of events, 19-year-old Nehemiah Epstein was released from a German detention facility after spending 136 days in custody on suspicion of smuggling 50 kilograms of khat, a stimulant plant legal in Israel but classified as a narcotic in Germany.
The release comes just one day before the wedding of his twin brother, Yedidya Epstein, a prominent Israeli journalist known for his work with outlets like Channel 14 and as a military correspondent. Nehemiah, along with a close friend, is expected to be deported back to Israel shortly, marking the end of a protracted ordeal that drew widespread attention in Israeli media.
The arrest occurred in August 2025 at a border crossing between France and northern Germany, where authorities discovered the khat in the duo's luggage. The two were immediately detained and held in separate cells throughout their incarceration.
Laboratory tests by German police, which took about two months to complete, reportedly confirmed that khat does not qualify as a dangerous substance under local laws, though it remains illegal to import. Despite this, the release was delayed, prolonging what family members described as a "nightmare."
Nehemiah's family and supporters have alleged harsh treatment during his detention, including over 100 days in isolation, extended periods in solitary confinement, and an incident of alleged violence by guards in November that required medical attention.
Reports from pro-Israel outlets highlighted claims that Nehemiah, who has a Star of David tattoo, was targeted due to his Jewish identity, leaving him "unrecognizable" after months in prison.
However, an Israeli official earlier rejected suggestions of severe abuse, stating that conditions were "satisfactory" and dismissing reports of inhumane treatment as exaggerated.
Fundraising efforts, including a Chesed Today campaign, raised over $15,000 to support legal fees and family visits.
Yedidya explained that his twin brother Nehemiah was "naive" and tricked into the smuggling attempt, believing he would be released immediately if caught. "He found himself in a foreign prison, without language, with violence, torture, and evacuation to the hospital. And thank God, released without any conditions," Yedidya added.
The journalist expressed gratitude to the Israeli consulate in Germany and the Foreign Ministry for their assistance, as well as to divine intervention: "Nehemiah, we love you. All of Israel. And of course, thanks to the Holy One, Blessed be He, who released him against all odds."
A video call between the twins post-release, shared on social media, captured their emotional reunion.
The case has sparked warnings from Israeli communities, particularly in haredi circles, against smuggling khat into Europe, where it is banned despite its cultural use in Yemenite and East African traditions.
Nehemiah's friend was also released, and both are en route to Israel, where they will likely face no further charges given the German court's decision.