On 30.7.2025, the presidium of the Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece (KIS) had a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister, Kostis Hatzidakis, during which the escalation of anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli incidents in Greece was discussed. KIS President David Saltiel, KIS Vice President Manos Alchanatis, Secretary General Victor Eliezer and Treasurer Daniel Benardout expressed the strong concern of Greek Jewry, pointing out that these are dangerous phenomena that incite violence - some of which have already manifested themselves in violence, desecration, and / or vandalism - violate the fundamental rights of citizens due to their religion or nationality, and reinforce the confusion about the dividing lines between political criticism of Israel and anti-Semitism. KIS representatives delivered to Mr. Hatzidakis a report with an indicative record of the relevant incidents for the first 7 months of 2025.
Following the meeting, the Vice Presidency of the Government issued the following Press Release, which refers to Mr. Hatzidakis' statements and expresses the Government's clear and unequivocal stance against anti-Semitism:
Press Office of the Vice Presidency of the Government: "Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis met with a delegation from the Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece headed by the president David Saltiel. The Board’s representatives expressed their protest over the incidents against Israeli citizens that have been observed recently, as well as the attacks against targets associated with the Jewish community in Greece, in recent times. Mr. Hatzidakis pointed out that the government takes a clear stance against anti-Semitism and recalled that in Greece there is a special law that punishes racist behavior. In any case, the government - and the prime minister himself - have demonstrated their respect for the Greek Jewish community, as the protection of human rights is at the core of its philosophy, as he emphasized. The Deputy Prime Minister also underlined the close cooperation that has existed for years between Greece and Israel, a cooperation that is expressed in many ways in the fields of foreign policy, defense and the economy. He also noted that the government has officially taken a position through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but has also undertaken initiatives on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, adding, however, that a distinction must be made between criticizing the Israeli government on this specific issue and collectively targeting Israeli citizens and Jews. In relation to the recent events at the port of Syros, he recalled the statement of the government spokesman from the very beginning, as well as the mobilization of the competent authorities to avoid targeting Israeli citizens and tourists, as well as attacks against the Jewish community. He also pointed out that in Rhodes, Israeli tourists were welcomed by representatives of local authorities and professional bodies, thus showing that isolated extreme reactions from small minorities do not reflect the society. After the meeting, Mr. Hatzidakis stated: “Greece stands firmly against all forms of racism and anti-Semitism. And that is why we are determined to do whatever is necessary to prevent unacceptable, but also illegal, practices. We are all moved by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and we want it to stop. The Greek government has undertaken relevant initiatives in this direction. But this cannot be a reason for manifestations of anti-Semitism. Ensuring freedom of speech and within the framework of a coordinated State, we remain vigilant to isolate extreme phenomena. "Greece is and will remain a welcoming country for Israeli citizens, a defender of human rights and steadfast against any phenomenon of anti-Semitism."
PHOTO: Vice Presidency of the Government