Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis has called for immediate judicial intervention against planned demonstrations targeting Israeli cruise ship tourists in Volos. The minister made the request ahead of a cruise ship arrival expected in two days.
In a video posted with Hebrew subtitles on his personal account on X, Georgiadis addressed the legal dimension of the upcoming rallies. He pointed out that Greece has enacted a strict anti-racism law prohibiting and punishing discrimination based on religion or race.
According to the minister, searching through crowds to identify, chase, and harass Israeli individuals constitutes a clear violation of anti-racism legislation. He stated that the slogan calling for liberation from the Jordan to the Mediterranean practically means the disappearance of Israel from the map, adding that constitutional rights to protest must remain distinct from anti-Jewish racism.
Legal Claims and Foreign Policy Links
Georgiadis criticized far-left organizers of the demonstrations, describing them as rude groups who make a habit of targeting Jewish visitors every August. He stated that these internationalist groups do not believe in homelands, lack logic or sensitivity, and represent a small minority holding less than one percent of the vote.
The minister highlighted diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations, describing Israel as Greece's greatest ally. He said Israel supports Greece in preventing Turkey from obtaining F-35 fighter jets, backs Greek positions on Cyprus and Aegean Sea matters, and contributes investments along with millions of tourists who create local jobs.
Reassuring citizens of Israel planning to holiday in Greece, Georgiadis urged them not to fear visiting the country. He emphasized that thousands of Greeks love and support Israel, maintaining that those organizing the incidents do not reflect the broader population.
