Couple attacked at pro-Palestinian rally in Athens, mistaken for Israelis

During a pro-Palestinian rally in Athens on August 9, demonstrators attacked a couple, mistakenly believing they were Israelis. The incident occurred as part of a 'day of rage.' Video shows protesters pushing a man and kicking him. A local resident shielded the victims and helped them escape. Protests took place across Greece, with organizers demanding an end to hostilities in Gaza. Israel's Foreign Ministry had warned citizens of the danger in advance.

On Sunday, August 9, in central Athens, during a pro-Palestinian rally organized as part of a 'day of rage,' demonstrators attacked a man and a woman, mistakenly taking them for Israelis. Footage circulated on social media shows protesters pushing the man, with one activist kicking him. The crowd shouted political slogans and accusations. The victims did not respond with aggression and tried to leave the scene. The situation was defused by a local resident who shielded the couple and helped them escape the crowd. Protests took place in dozens of locations across Greece, including Athens, Thessaloniki, and resort islands. The organizers were Palestinian communities, Greek BDS activists, and the 'Stop the War' coalition. They demanded an end to hostilities in the Gaza Strip and a review of ties between Athens and Jerusalem. Israel's Foreign Ministry had warned citizens in advance of the danger and recommended avoiding marches, not displaying symbols, and not sharing geolocation on social media.