Athens Mayor Confronts Israel Ambassador Over Antisemitic Graffiti
Dispute Erupts as Israeli Envoy Criticizes Athens for Inadequate Action Against Antisemitism.
ATHENS: The mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, has become embroiled in a heated exchange with the Israeli ambassador to Greece, Noam Katz, regarding the city's handling of antisemitic graffiti.
Ambassador Katz accused Athens authorities of failing to adequately address these incidents, which have left Israeli tourists feeling uneasy during their visits.
In comments published by the Kathimerini daily, Katz expressed concerns over what he perceives as a lack of action against 'organized minorities' responsible for anti-Jewish graffiti in Athens.
Doukas swiftly responded via social media platform X, stating that his administration vehemently opposes violence and racism and refuses to accept lessons on democracy from those who allegedly engage in the killing of civilians.
Doukas reaffirmed Athens' commitment to upholding democratic values, emphasizing the city's respect for all visitors and its support for citizens' rights to free expression.
He further criticized Ambassador Katz, suggesting that his focus on graffiti—which Doukas claims has been effectively removed—pales in comparison to the ongoing situation in Gaza.
This controversy comes amid a broader geopolitical context, as Greece has historically maintained pro-Arab policies but has strengthened ties with Israel since 2010, particularly in security and energy sectors.
The recent conflict between Hamas and Israel has led to an increase in Israeli tourism and property investment in Greece, with the number of Israelis obtaining Greek residents permits through property purchases rising by 90% last year.
The debate surrounding antisemitic graffiti in Athens is further complicated by the pro-Palestinian demonstrations taking place across Europe, including in several Greek cities.
The presence of left-wing groups advocating for the Palestinian cause has contributed to a complex atmosphere that now includes both solidarity movements and accusations of antisemitism.
Ambassador Katz accused Athens authorities of failing to adequately address these incidents, which have left Israeli tourists feeling uneasy during their visits.
In comments published by the Kathimerini daily, Katz expressed concerns over what he perceives as a lack of action against 'organized minorities' responsible for anti-Jewish graffiti in Athens.
Doukas swiftly responded via social media platform X, stating that his administration vehemently opposes violence and racism and refuses to accept lessons on democracy from those who allegedly engage in the killing of civilians.
Doukas reaffirmed Athens' commitment to upholding democratic values, emphasizing the city's respect for all visitors and its support for citizens' rights to free expression.
He further criticized Ambassador Katz, suggesting that his focus on graffiti—which Doukas claims has been effectively removed—pales in comparison to the ongoing situation in Gaza.
This controversy comes amid a broader geopolitical context, as Greece has historically maintained pro-Arab policies but has strengthened ties with Israel since 2010, particularly in security and energy sectors.
The recent conflict between Hamas and Israel has led to an increase in Israeli tourism and property investment in Greece, with the number of Israelis obtaining Greek residents permits through property purchases rising by 90% last year.
The debate surrounding antisemitic graffiti in Athens is further complicated by the pro-Palestinian demonstrations taking place across Europe, including in several Greek cities.
The presence of left-wing groups advocating for the Palestinian cause has contributed to a complex atmosphere that now includes both solidarity movements and accusations of antisemitism.
