Israeli Foreign Ministry Warns Tourists of Large Protests in Greece Amid Gaza Conflict

The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a heightened travel warning for Israeli citizens in Greece on Sunday due to widespread protests expected across the country. Demonstrations are planned in Athens, Thessaloniki, various islands, and popular tourist areas, sparked by the ongoing war in Gaza. The ministry cautioned that the scale of these protests could lead to public disorder and dangerous situations.

Israeli travelers are advised to exercise increased vigilance, avoid protest sites and large gatherings, and steer clear of any confrontations with demonstrators. They are also urged to conceal Israeli and Jewish symbols and refrain from sharing their real-time locations on social media. The ministry recommends following local authorities' updates and security instructions closely. In emergencies, Israelis can contact the Foreign Ministry’s situation center or the Israeli embassy in Athens.

This warning comes during Greece’s peak summer tourism season, with Greece being the most popular destination for Israeli travelers. In July alone, approximately 427,000 Israelis flew to Greece and its islands, representing 18.6% of all international departures from Ben Gurion Airport. The alert follows recent incidents of harassment and threats against Jews in Europe linked to the heightened tensions and conflict in Gaza, including a recent foiled attack on Hasidic Jews in Antwerp by Belgian soldiers.