Pro-Palestinian Anarchist March in Thessaloniki Sparks Police Probe and Jewish Community Outcry

A recent march by dozens of pro-Palestinian activists in Thessaloniki, Greece, has ignited public controversy and prompted a police investigation. Participants paraded through the city center wearing black shirts bearing the Palestinian flag during an event described by organizers as an "anti-Zionist tour." Greek police are examining whether the march involved incitement to hatred or violence and are considering further legal action against the organizers, who belong to the anarchist group Rubicon.

The event aimed to protest Israeli presence in Thessaloniki and oppose the city's development as a tourist destination for Israelis, according to the organizers. The march drew sharp condemnation from Greece's Jewish community. The Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece (KIS) issued a statement condemning the event, comparing it to antisemitic attacks in Thessaloniki 95 years ago. They said, "Exactly 95 years after attack squads roamed Thessaloniki streets assaulting Jews, organized groups dressed in black have reappeared, spreading fear among Jews and Israelis."

The World Jewish Congress also criticized the march, asserting its purpose was to intimidate the local Jewish community. Greek authorities continue to investigate the circumstances and content of the event, but no indictments have been filed yet.