With a delegation of Central Israeli Council of Greeceunder the president David Saltiel met the Vice President of the Government Kostis Chatzidakis.
His representatives KISE They have expressed their protest over the incidents against Israeli citizens who have recently been observed and attacks on targets associated with the Israeli community of Greece lately.
Mr Hatzidakis pointed out that the government is clearly positioned against anti -Semitism and recalled that a special law that punishes racist behaviors in Greece. In any case, the government – and the prime minister himself – have shown their respect for the Greek Jewish community as the protection of human rights is at the core of its philosophy.
The Vice President of the Government also underlined the close cooperation that has existed for years between Greece and Israel, Cooperation expressed in many ways in the field of foreign policy, defense and economy.
He noted that the government has been officially positioned by the Foreign Ministry but also undertaken initiatives for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, but added that there must be a distinction between the criticism of the Israeli government on this issue and the conceptual targeting of them. Israeli citizens and Jews.
In Concerning the recent events in the port of Syros, he recalled the government spokesman’s statement from the first moment, as well as the mobilization of the competent authorities to avoid targeting Israeli citizens and tourists, as well as attacks on the Jewish community. He also pointed out that in Rhodes, Israeli tourists welcomed representatives of local authorities and professional bodies, thereby showing that individual extreme reactions from small minorities did not express society.
“Greece stands firmly against any form of racism and anti -Semitism”
After the meeting Mr. Chatzidakis He said: “Greece stands firmly against any form of racism and anti -Semitism. And that is why we are determined to do what we need to prevent unacceptable and illegal practices. We are all moved by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and we want to stop. The Greek government has taken relevant initiatives in this direction. But this cannot be the occasion for events of anti -Semitism. By ensuring freedom of speech and within the framework of the coordinated state, we remain alert to isolate extreme phenomena. Greece is and will remain a welcoming country for Israeli citizens, a human rights advocate and consistently against any phenomenon of anti -Semitism. ”
The meeting was also attended by the Vice President of KISE Manos Alchanti, The Secretary -General Victor Eliezer, The Treasurer General Daniel Benardut and the Foreign Ministry’s special envoy to combat anti -Semitism and defend Holocaust memory Chrysoula Aliferi.