Greece Braces for Nationwide Protests Targeting Israeli Tourists Amid Gaza War Backlash
Coordinated BDS-backed demonstrations planned for August 10; tensions rise following violent incidents on tourist islands.
Amid escalating anti-Israel sentiment across parts of Europe, far-left groups and the local BDS movement in Greece have declared Sunday, August 10, a "National Day of Action Against Genocide." This way, prompting nationwide protests targeting Israeli tourists.
The planned demonstrations, which are expected to cause disruptions in key tourist destinations such as Athens, Crete, Rhodes, and Syros, follow a series of confrontations and violent incidents involving Israeli citizens vacationing in Greece.
In one recent case, an Israeli cruise ship was denied docking at Syros Island after hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters blocked the port. In another, a group of Israeli teenagers was reportedly attacked by activists in Rhodes. Instances of anti-Israel graffiti have also been observed in areas frequented by Israelis, particularly during this peak summer tourism period.
While no specific travel directives have been issued, Israel’s Foreign Ministry has updated its travel advisory for Greece, urging Israeli citizens to exercise “special caution,” particularly on the major islands.
Diplomatic Fallout
The situation has spilled into the diplomatic arena. Israel’s ambassador to Greece, Noam Katz, lodged a formal complaint with Greek authorities, citing insufficient enforcement and rising antisemitic rhetoric, particularly in Athens.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas responded defiantly, stating: “We will not take moral lessons from those committing genocide,” defending the planned protests as legitimate expressions of free speech and opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The protests are being organized by the “March to Gaza” movement, which issued a statement saying Greece “will not serve as a playground for IDF soldiers and Israel supporters,” and urged demonstrators to “turn the islands, beaches, and alleys into centers of solidarity with Palestine.”
Security Measures Increased
In response, the Greek government has deployed special riot control units, separate from the local police, in several areas to prevent potential blockades of seaports and ensure public order, an unusual move for the tourism-heavy nation. Several demonstrators have already been arrested on suspicion of violating Greece’s anti-racism laws.
Authorities remain on high alert ahead of Sunday, with major protests expected not only on the islands but also in central Athens and other urban locations.