Israel’s National Soccer Coach Assaulted in Athens for Speaking Hebrew
Israel’s national soccer coach was assaulted in Athens, part of a wave of antisemitic attacks targeting Israelis in Greece, including protests blocking cruise ships and vandalism of Jewish businesses. Greek and Israeli officials condemned the incidents, urging stronger measures to curb rising anti-Israel sentiment.
Israel’s national soccer coach Ran Ben Shimon and assistant coach Gal Cohen were attacked in Athens while preparing for a UEFA Conference League qualifier between Hapoel Be’er Sheva and AEK Athens. While walking and conversing in Hebrew, the coaches were approached by a young man shouting “Free Palestine.” When they ignored him, he charged and shoved Ben Shimon, but bystanders quickly intervened, removing the assailant. “The ugly incident in Athens was handled quickly and efficiently, and I can only regret the ignorance and impudence of that person,” Ben Shimon told Channel 12. “I doubt if he recognized us as the national team’s coaches at all, and in my opinion, the reason for this is that we are Israelis who spoke Hebrew. I am proud to represent my country everywhere; this certainly will not deter us in the future.” He added, “We found ourselves in an unpleasant and dangerous situation because we realized that this young man was not alone and any reaction we had could escalate. We got into a taxi and continued to the field.”
During the match at OPAP Arena, which AEK Athens won 1-0, fans chanted “F–k you, Israel. Viva Palestine” and waved Palestinian flags, as seen in social media videos. The assault reflects a surge in antisemitic incidents in Greece, with 621,000 Israeli tourists visiting in 2024. On July 22, 300 protesters blocked the Israeli cruise ship Crown Iris from docking at Syros, displaying “Stop the Genocide” banners, forcing a reroute to Cyprus. On July 28, similar protests in Rhodes led to clashes with riot police. On July 12, the kosher King David Burger restaurant in Athens was vandalized with anti-Israel graffiti like “No Zionist is safe here.”
Israeli Minister Miki Zohar urged Greek action, stating on X, “It’s worrying to see the anti-Israel escalation in Greece, even though relations between Israel and Greece were and will continue to be among the best and closest among the countries of Europe. I expect the authorities to act against these expressions of antisemitism, which are worthy of all condemnation and enforcement.” Greek spokesman Pavlos Marinakis called the incidents “outrageous,” adding, “The incident in Piraeus is horrific; antisemitism and every form of fascism and racism will not be accepted in Greece.”