Tension in Greece: Israeli tourists detained due to antisemitic protests

Hundreds of Israeli passengers aboard the "Crown Iris" cruise ship are trapped on the Greek island of Syros, after an anti-Israel protest prevented their planned disembarkation. The situation has triggered diplomatic alarms in Jerusalem, while the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs is demanding answers from the Greek authorities.

The ship, operated by the Israeli shipping company Mano Maritime, had scheduled a six-hour stop on the picturesque island in the Aegean Sea. However, upon arrival at the port, the passengers encountered a hostile demonstration organized by local residents, who carried pro-Palestinian banners and demanded that Israeli tourists not be allowed entry.

"When we saw the protest from the ship, some of us raised the Israeli flag and started singing," a passenger recounted. Although the tourists haven't been directly attacked, the tension is palpable. "We feel safe inside the ship, but the children are stressed," he added.

The protest, which was organized through social media, declared that "it is unacceptable to welcome Israeli tourists while Palestinians are suffering in Gaza". However, for many, the objective wasn't a legitimate political demonstration, but rather an act of direct intimidation against innocent civilians.

Meanwhile in Jerusalem, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar reported that he contacted his Greek counterpart, Giorgos Gerapetritis, to demand security guarantees and an end to the disembarkation blockade. "We are closely monitoring the situation from our embassy in Greece," his office stated in a press release.

This episode marks a new and troubling chapter in the rise of hostility against Israeli citizens abroad, where antisemitism disguised as political activism continues to threaten the freedom of movement and the basic right of Israelis to travel without being subjected to persecution.