Israeli Tourist Sues Greek Bar Over 'Zionists Not Allowed' Sign

An Israeli tourist, Galit Ben-Shimhon, is pursuing legal action against a bar on the Greek island of Lesbos after encountering a sign at its entrance stating "Zionists not allowed." Ben-Shimhon discovered the sign while on vacation and, after the bar's owner refused her request to remove it, decided to initiate legal proceedings.

The incident occurred amidst a backdrop of similar anti-Israeli sentiment, with a separate report detailing an Israeli couple being expelled from an Athens bar after their nationality was revealed. Ben-Shimhon described the encounter, stating that when she asked the bar staff about the sign, they responded dismissively and claimed to support Palestinians.

Ben-Shimhon informed the owner that if the sign was not removed within 24 hours, she would file a lawsuit based on Greek and European anti-discrimination laws, which she noted carry penalties of up to six months imprisonment and fines. She emphasized that such discrimination is illegal and cannot be justified by freedom of speech.

She also recounted a separate incident on Lesbos where leaflets were distributed accusing Israelis of illegally occupying the island and harming Greeks, which led to a physical altercation. Ben-Shimhon believes these actions are instigated by foreigners with "progressive ideas" and intends to pursue legal action against those spreading such propaganda, viewing it as incitement to violence rather than free speech.