Anti-IDF Graffiti Sparks Concern Amid Rising Pro-Palestinian Protests in Popular Greek Tourist Spot
During the peak tourist season in Greece, a prominent anti-Israel Defense Forces (IDF) graffiti was documented in Heraklion, Crete, a favored destination for Israeli travelers. The graffiti, written in English, read "Death to the IDF" and "Long live Palestinian resistance," accompanied by a Palestinian flag drawing. The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), which publicized the image, urged Greek authorities to combat such hate expressions and ensure visitor safety.
Greece has become a major vacation spot for Israelis, with Crete among the most popular islands. According to the Israeli embassy in Athens, over 500 flights operate monthly between Israel and more than 20 Greek destinations. CAM CEO Sasha Reutman condemned the graffiti as incitement to violence rather than legitimate criticism and called for zero tolerance from Greek officials to protect tourists.
This incident coincides with a wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations across Greece, including Athens, Thessaloniki, and various islands, involving thousands of participants on a national day of action. Israeli authorities issued heightened travel advisories urging vigilance, avoidance of protests, and discretion regarding Israeli or Jewish symbols.
Last month, Israeli tourists in Crete also encountered pro-Palestinian protests when a cruise ship docked in Sitia, where police separated demonstrators from visitors. Some tourists felt threatened and returned to the ship. These events reflect a broader rise in antisemitic and hostile incidents against Israelis abroad. The Israeli Foreign Ministry reported that from July 2025 to July 2026, 45 Israelis required consular assistance following antisemitic attacks, including assaults, verbal abuse, and service refusals.
Greece ranks third in the number of distress calls from Israelis in 2026, with 206 cases handled by the Foreign Ministry, covering various emergencies beyond antisemitism. Eli Yifrah, Deputy Director for Consular Affairs, noted the unprecedented scale of such incidents involving Israelis overseas in the past year.
