Even on the islands loved by Israelis: a wave of antisemitic protests in Greece
91 protest sites are expected to operate across Greece, from Athens to the tourist islands. The organizers are demanding an arms embargo, sanctions on Israel, the reinstatement of visa requirements, and the screening of Israeli soldiers and reservists.
Dozens of demonstrations and protest events against Israel are expected to take place tomorrow, Sunday, across Greece as part of a "National Day of Action for Palestine." According to reports in Greek media and among protest organizers, at this stage, actions are planned in no fewer than 91 locations, including Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Mykonos, and other islands.
The events are being promoted by, among others, BDS Greece, the March to Gaza Greece organization, and the Palestinian community in Greece. In Athens, the central demonstration is scheduled for 19:00 at Monastiraki Square. Additional demonstrations in the capital area are expected at Victoria Square, Chaidari, Porto Rafti, and Palaia Fokaia. In Thessaloniki, a demonstration is scheduled near the statue of Eleftherios Venizelos at 19:30.
Many protest sites were specifically set on islands and popular tourist destinations. In Rhodes, a demonstration is expected at 18:30, in Kos at 19:30, and in Mykonos at 19:15. Additional events are planned in Crete, Corfu, Zakynthos, Naxos, Tinos, Samos, and Lesbos.
In a statement by BDS Greece, it is claimed that the goal of the protest is to exert pressure on the Greek government to change its policy toward Israel. Among the demands presented by the organizers:
"Ending military cooperation between the countries, imposing an arms embargo and sanctions on Israel, reinstating visa requirements for Israeli citizens, and screening Israeli soldiers and reservists entering Greece on suspicion of involvement in what the organizations define as 'war crimes.'"
The radical left organization ANTARSYA also announced its support for the protests and called on its activists to participate in them. In its statement, the organization attacked the security ties between Athens and Jerusalem and the purchase of Israeli weapons systems by Greece. The protest is taking place against the backdrop of close strategic relations between Israel and Greece, alongside extensive pro-Palestinian activity in the country. The organizers hope to replicate the national protest events held last summer, when demonstrations took place in cities and on islands across the country.
