A disturbing trend of xenophobic harassment against Israeli tourists has been unfolding across Greece over the past week, raising serious concerns about the safety of visitors amid intensifying pro-Palestinian activism.
On July 22, an Israeli-owned cruise ship carrying approximately 1,600 passengers was barred from docking at the Greek island of Syros after being confronted by around 200 pro-Palestinian demonstrators. The protest, described by eyewitnesses as “coordinated and hostile,” forced the ship to change course and head to Cyprus instead.
The same night, a violent episode unfolded on the island of Rhodes, where a group of Israeli teenagers were reportedly pursued by a mob armed with knives outside a local nightclub. Though there were no fatalities, the incident has left the Israeli community in shock and fear.
Earlier in the month, a newly reopened kosher restaurant in Athens became the target of mob vandalism shortly after the end of Shabbat. Protesters stormed the premises, hurled anti-Israel flyers, threatened the staff, and defaced the interior with spray-painted slogans. No arrests were made at the time of the incident.
These acts follow a broader pattern of antisemitic behavior that has intensified across Greece since the Hamas-Israel conflict reignited on October 7, 2023. Jewish cemeteries and Holocaust memorials have been defaced, and Israeli nationals have reported verbal and physical abuse in hotels and public places simply for speaking Hebrew.
The recent spate of aggression has sparked growing concern within Greece’s tourism sector, which relies heavily on international visitors. Human rights groups and tourism associations have urged Greek authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safety of all tourists and to clamp down on xenophobic violence.
Greece has long been a favored destination for Israeli holidaymakers, with thousands visiting its islands each year. However, the escalating hostility could threaten longstanding ties between the two countries if left unaddressed.
The Greek government has yet to release an official statement regarding the incidents. Meanwhile, Jewish and Israeli advocacy groups are calling for heightened security and clear condemnation from both local and national leaders.
Amid rising tensions in the region and growing polarization across Europe, the safety of civilians regardless of nationality or faith is now a pressing issue in a country that prides itself on its hospitality and historical tolerance.
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