Israeli Tourist Sues Greek Bar Over 'No Zionists' Sign

An Israeli tourist, Galiit Ben-Shimhon, is threatening legal action against a bar on the Greek island of Lesbos after encountering a sign that prohibited entry for "Zionists." Ben-Shimhon initially believed she had misread the sign, but upon inquiry, a staff member confirmed the policy, stating the establishment supported Palestinians. Ben-Shimhon argued that while she respected political expression, the sign constituted illegal discrimination.

When the bar refused to remove the sign, Ben-Shimhon left and contacted the owner, warning that she would file a lawsuit based on Greek and European anti-discrimination laws if the sign was not removed within 24 hours. She noted that such violations in Greece can carry penalties of up to six months imprisonment and fines. Ben-Shimhon, who owns a business herself, stated her motivation stemmed from a belief that freedom of speech should not be used to break the law.

Ben-Shimhon also reported a separate incident on Lesbos involving leaflets accusing Israelis of "occupying" the island and engaging in harmful activities against locals, portraying them as "settlers." She described a near-physical altercation involving a group of Israeli women and stated she is considering legal action against the leaflet's author. She suggested these actions are driven by individuals with "progressive" views visiting Greece, rather than Greeks themselves, and that such behavior crosses the line into incitement.

This incident follows a similar event in Athens where an Israeli couple was reportedly asked to leave a bar after the owner discovered they were from Israel.