Protests in Greece end, potential of violent threat to Israelis, Jews remain

The protests in Greece for which the Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry had urged its citizens in Greece to avoid certain areas had ended, Israeli media reported on Sunday evening.

Initially, the Foreign Ministry had called Israelis in Greece to avoid the areas of the Israeli embassy in Athens, Aristotle University, as well as the area around the US consulate in Thessaloniki, as protests were expected, with concerns of participation of anti-Israeli elements, as well as potential escalations to violence.

משרד החוץ: קוראים לישראלים השוהים ביוון להימנע מהגעה לאזור הנציגות הישראלית באתונה ואוניברסיטת אריסטו, וכן מאזור הקונסוליה האמריקנית בסלוניקי ולהצניע סממנים ישראלים ויהודיים. זאת, בשל הפגנות חריגות שיתקיימו באזורים אלו וחשש מגילויי אלימות@gilicohen10

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In addition to urging Israeli citizens to avoid those areas, the Foreign Ministry had suggested they conceal Israeli and Jewish symbols, as they can be clear identifications of their nationality.

"It's not surprising; today is Polytechnic Day, a day of student resistance," Viki Sarkov, an Israeli living in Athens, explained to Maariv, adding that "every year, protests are held." She then emphasized that considering the Israel-Hamas War and the Northern Arrows operation, "pro-Palestinian demonstrators might join, so for safety reasons, it's best to stay away from such riots on days like this."

Sarkov stressed there was a "wide deployment" of security forces, "and they won't let it get out of control." Despite the Foreign Ministry's warning, Sarkov expressed a feeling of security, telling Maariv, "As an Israeli, I don't feel fear or concern. I only downplay my origin when passing by immigrants, never to Greeks."

'Day known for protests'

Speaking with Maariv, another Athens resident, Shani Werner, said the protests were to "mark the end of military rule and celebrate democracy. It's a day known for protests and events that Greeks feel strongly about, and sometimes they get out of control."

Werner explained that she lives outside of Athens's central areas, so she "never felt such tension," adding, "The Greeks are wonderful and welcoming, and I received a warm welcome from them."

Nevertheless, the National Security Council's warning about potential random threats to Israeli citizens and Jews in Greece is still in effect, according to Walla. However, there was no specific travel advisory recommendation.