AHI Condemns Anti-Semitic Attacks in Greece

WASHINGTON, DC —The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) strongly condemns recent anti-Semitic attacks in Greece that have included two cases of arson committed on the Etz Hayyim Synagogue in Hania, Crete and the desecration of monuments in the Ioannina Jewish cemetery.

“Clearly we strongly condemn these anti-Semitic attacks that have occurred recently in Greece,” said Executive Director Nick Larigakis.  “Acts of bigotry and racism have no place in society.  We applaud efforts by the citizens of Ioannina, Greece, Jews and Christians alike, to come together to show support for the Jewish community in Greece and to denounce anti-Semitism.”

Larigakis also welcomed news that four arrests have been made in connection with the two arson attacks on Etz Hayyim Synagogue.  Of the four suspects, two are British nationals, one is American, and the fourth is Greek.  The arsons were committed on January 5 and 16, 2010 and caused significant damage to the infrastructure of the synagogue, archives, and equipment.

The American Hellenic Institute is a non-profit Greek American think-tank and public policy center that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and within the Greek American community.

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For additional information, please contact C. Franciscos Economides at (202) 785-8430 or at pr@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our Web site at https://www.ahiworld.org.