Local Greeks Step In to Save Israelis
Hate Attack: Israeli Cruise Passengers Assaulted by Pro-Palestinian Mob in Crete Café
Israeli tourists from a cruise ship were violently assaulted near a synagogue in Crete by a pro-Palestinian group who spat on them and threw objects, before local Greek residents intervened to protect the visitors.
Ambushed Near Synagogue
A terrifying incident unfolded this morning, Tuesday, in Crete, Greece, when Israeli passengers from a Mano Shipping cruise were violently confronted and attacked during a sightseeing tour near a local synagogue. The Israelis, who had just disembarked at the port, were immediately targeted by a small but aggressive group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had reportedly been lying in wait.
Efrat, one of the passengers, recounted the distressing ordeal, noting that while security was present upon exiting the ship due to a pre-existing protest near the port, the violent confrontation occurred away from the main demonstration. She detailed that a small group of agitators gathered on the streets adjacent to the synagogue, where they began to provoke the Jewish visitors and attempt physical contact.
Violence and Local Protection
The assault quickly escalated. Efrat described the attackers as full of hate, physically pushing older people and acting aggressively. She detailed the specific acts of violence, saying, "They spat on us, tried to snatch our cell phones, threw beer cups with ice at us, pushed us, and were full of hate in their eyes."
The local police arrived only after a prolonged delay. However, Efrat noted that the attackers fled upon the arrival of law enforcement. Crucially, before the police arrived, local Greek residents intervened to shield the Israelis from the violence.
The local citizens condemned the actions of the mob, telling the Israelis that they were a small percentage of extreme, violent people who were ruining the country's reputation. At one point, when the Israelis sought refuge, employees at a local Starbucks told them to hide on the second floor for safety.
Efrat issued a strong warning, stating that the situation demands immediate attention: "Israelis need to be warned. They are really ambushing Jews in the area near the synagogue." Following the attack, the shocked Israeli passengers made their way back to the ship and are currently en route back to Israel.