After the Israeli ambassador to Greece, Noam Katz, accused Athens‘ mayor, Haris Doukas, of not doing enough to address antisemitic graffiti, the two engaged in a public dispute.
In a recent interview, Katz claimed Israeli tourists felt “uncomfortable” in Athens due to the mayor’s inaction against “organized minorities” responsible for the graffiti.
Doukas quickly responded sharply on X, asserting that Athens has a proven record of opposing racism and violence and “does not take lessons in democracy from those who kill civilians.” He also added that Athens is a democratic capital that respects its visitors and supports its citizens’ right to free expression.
Doukas concluded by calling it “revolting that the ambassador concentrates on graffiti (that is wiped off) while an unprecedented genocide is taking place in Gaza.”
Spat between Athens Mayor and Israeli Ambassador comes amid anti-Israeli protests in Greece
This public spat comes amidst a backdrop of protests in Greece against Israeli tourism. In late July, pro-Palestinian demonstrators organized protests at the ports of Rhodes, Syros, and Agios Nikolaos.
On Syros, protesters successfully prevented 1,600 Israeli tourists from disembarking a cruise ship, an incident that was condemned by the Greek government.
On Rhodes, a similar protest resulted in 15 detentions and 8 arrests on charges including violence against public employees and violations of Greece’s anti-racism law.
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