Israeli Tourist Sues Greek Bar Over "Zionists Not Welcome" Sign

An Israeli tourist, Galit Ben Shimhon, is taking legal action against a bar in Kos, Greece, after encountering a sign that declared "Zionists not welcome." Ben Shimhon, who is currently vacationing on the island, discovered the discriminatory sign and confronted the bar's owner. After the owner refused to remove the sign, Ben Shimhon threatened legal action, citing Greek and European laws against discrimination.

Ben Shimhon recounted the incident in an interview, stating that she initially thought she was misreading the sign. When she approached the staff, they reportedly responded with hostility, claiming to be pro-Palestinian and refusing to take down the sign. Ben Shimhon informed the owner that if the sign was not removed within 24 hours, she would file a lawsuit, which could result in up to six months in prison and a fine under Greek and European law.

She emphasized that such discrimination is illegal and likened it to a violation of freedom of expression used to break the law. Ben Shimhon also mentioned a separate incident where a group of Israelis was reportedly involved in a near-physical altercation in Kos due to flyers accusing Israelis of taking over the island and engaging in illegal activities against locals. She stated she is also preparing a legal letter regarding these flyers.

Ben Shimhon believes the individuals responsible for the sign and flyers are not necessarily Greek locals but rather foreigners with what she described as "delusional progressive ideas" who are inciting violence. She expressed her determination to pursue legal action against them, calling their actions "stupid" and a form of poisoning the island's atmosphere.