Tensions Flare Between Israel’s Ambassador and Athens Mayor Over Antisemitic Graffiti and Gaza War

Athens, Greece – August 3, 2025 — A diplomatic rift has emerged between Israel’s Ambassador to Greece, Noam Katz, and Athens Mayor Haris Doukas following a heated exchange over antisemitic graffiti in the Greek capital and Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

In an interview published in the Sunday edition of Kathimerini, Ambassador Katz accused Athens municipal authorities of failing to adequately address antisemitic graffiti in the city. He stated that the presence of such graffiti creates a hostile atmosphere for Israeli visitors and residents, urging the city to act more decisively.

Mayor Doukas responded forcefully, rejecting the criticism and broadening the discussion to Israel’s conduct in Gaza.

“We do not accept lessons in democracy from those who kill civilians,” Doukas said in a strongly worded statement. “Athens, the capital of a democratic country, fully respects its visitors and upholds the right of its citizens to free expression. As the city’s municipal authority, we have proven our active opposition to violence and racism.”

Doukas went further, directly condemning Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

“We do not accept lessons in democracy from those who kill civilians and children waiting in line for food aid, from those who lead dozens of people to death every day in Gaza, through bombs, hunger, and thirst,” he said.

The mayor also criticized Ambassador Katz for prioritizing the issue of graffiti during what he described as a humanitarian catastrophe.

“It is appalling that the Ambassador focuses solely on graffiti (which, obviously, is being removed) at a time when an unprecedented genocide is taking place in Gaza,” Doukas said.

Doukas also pointed out that despite current tensions, economic ties between the two countries have grown. He noted that Golden Visas granted to Israeli citizens have increased by more than 90%, suggesting a continued influx of Israeli nationals into Greece.

Ambassador Katz’s concerns, as expressed in Kathimerini, reflect growing discomfort among Israelis living in or visiting Athens who say the antisemitic graffiti has gone largely unaddressed. The ambassador called for more concrete municipal action to remove the offensive messages and symbols.

• The clash highlights the broader strain in Greek-Israeli relations, as public opinion in Greece has become increasingly critical of Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza, which has drawn international condemnation over the high civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis.

This diplomatic episode adds to mounting tensions across Europe, where cities are navigating a rise in both antisemitic incidents and pro-Palestinian demonstrations amid the continuing war in Gaza.