"Death to the IDF": Hate graffiti in a destination flooded with Israelis this summer
Against the backdrop of a wave of pro-Palestinian protests across Greece, a harsh graffiti inscription against the IDF and in favor of "Palestinian resistance" was documented in Heraklion, Crete. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on Israelis in the country to be vigilant, conceal national symbols, and stay away from gatherings.
At the peak of the tourist season in Greece, and in one of the most popular vacation destinations among Israelis, a prominent graffiti inscription against the IDF was documented in Heraklion, Crete. The wall featured the English words "Death to the IDF" and "Long live Palestinian resistance," alongside a drawing of a Palestinian flag.
The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), which released the documentation, is calling on Greek authorities to take action against such manifestations of hate and ensure the safety of visitors. Greece has become a primary vacation destination for Israelis in recent years, with Crete being one of the most popular islands. During the summer season, over 500 flights per month operate between Ben Gurion Airport and various destinations across Greece.
Sacha Roytman, CEO of the Combat Antisemitism Movement, stated: "When inscriptions calling for the elimination of IDF soldiers appear in the heart of Crete, in a central and highly sought-after destination for the Israeli public, this is not legitimate criticism but direct incitement to violence and terror. Greek authorities must stop being lenient toward the defacement of public space and act with zero tolerance to ensure the safety of all visitors."
The documentation comes amid a wave of pro-Palestinian protests in Greece. On Sunday, dozens of demonstrations were held across the country, from Athens and Thessaloniki to popular tourist hubs. While no significant incidents of harm to Israeli tourists were reported, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an advisory for Israelis to exercise increased caution, stay away from protest hubs, and avoid posting their real-time location on social media.
Last month, Israeli tourists in Crete already encountered a pro-Palestinian protest when the "Crown Iris" ship of Mano Maritime arrived at the port of Sitia. Protesters with a large Palestinian flag awaited the passengers, forcing local police to create a buffer zone.
Data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shows that between July 2025 and July 2026, 45 Israelis were harmed by antisemitic incidents abroad, ranging from physical assaults to refusal of service. Greece has seen 206 distress inquiries from Israelis since the beginning of 2026, ranking third after the UAE and Thailand. Eli Yifrach, Deputy Director General for Consular Affairs, noted: "In the last year, we are seeing a phenomenon we have not known before in such volumes: Israelis turning to us after encountering antisemitic incidents during their stay abroad."
