Athens: "We owe an apology to these friends of Greece who chose to spend their holidays here and were forcibly denied it by some," Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis wrote on the social media platform X. "Our country remains hospitable to all and antisemitism has no place here!" His comments came in response to last Tuesday's protests on the island of Syros, where around 300 demonstrators assembled at the island's port carrying Palestinian flags and a large banner that said, "Stop the genocide." They were there to meet the MS Crown Iris, a ship owned by the Israeli cruise line, Mano Maritime.
According to Deutsche Welle, the protest was organized by locals who wanted to show that it wasn't acceptable to greet Israeli tourists while Palestinians in Gaza were starving, due to Israel's blockade on aid entering the occupied territory. Dockworkers unions have also spoken out in Greece against military shipments, with actions attempting to prevent the unloading of military-related cargo. Such activities, including attempts to block the transfer of steel for military purposes, have occurred periodically, sparking further debate within the country.
The episode on Syros has intensified discussions in Greece, with some locals accusing the protestors of racism and labeling them "shameless fascists," while others supported the demonstrations, arguing that Israeli tourists should be informed of their government's actions in Gaza. The situation is further complicated by accusations of antisemitism from those supporting Israel, despite some supporters traditionally holding antisemitic views but now admiring Israel’s military strength.
Political opinions in Greece greatly influence public sentiment towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Opinion polls indicate that nearly half of the Greek population remains neutral, but among those with a stance, support for Israel has declined. A survey by the Eteron Institute for Research and Social Change showed a shift in support, with a significant portion of Greeks now favoring the Palestinian side over Israel, reflecting the changing dynamics since the conflict intensified.
Despite the protests and shifting public opinions, Greece and Israel maintain a strong alliance, with strategic cooperation in economic, energy, and military sectors. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has expressed unwavering support for Israel, though Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis seeks a balanced approach, advocating for a two-state solution. The complex relationship between the two nations is rooted in historical ties and strategic interests, continuing to evolve amidst regional tensions.