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Greek PM refuses to wear kippa at Yad Vashem
Itamar Eichner
Published: 09.10.13, 15:36
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1. Can't force religion on someone
J ,   Tel Aviv   (10.09.13)
A hat or yarmulke doesn't change the fact that he attended the ceremony. Would it be okay for Greece to ask Netanyahu to wear a cross when visiting a Church in Athens? It would just be a little necklace...
2. Perhaps the museum should also have various sized black hats
Rivkah   (10.09.13)
with brims for males to wear in addition to skullcaps.
3. When in Grease...do as the geeks!
Jenny ,   NY USA   (10.09.13)
So much for that old adage.... Looks like SOMEONE has to go back to protocol school! Beware of Greeks bearing gifts...without proper head covering.
4. By no means is it a religious site, although it symbolizes
tom ,   tel aviv   (10.09.13)
so much more than a synagogue or a church. Maybe it should be left at everyone's discretion to wear or not to wear head cover? I still wonder if a Greek female representative would or wouldn't wear a scarf when "performing" in, say: Saudi Arabia?
5. Just another 'diplomat' without manners.
tiki ,   belgium   (10.09.13)
Diplomats who willfully don't pay their parking tickets, drive to fast, have a big mouth or get aggressive when asked why they behave like that. There is a big row between Holland/Russia because of all the above incidents + an abusive (drunk) Russian diplomat. Some diplomats think that they stand above the law. It's about time to teach them some manners & change the law of immunity. The word ''diplomat'' isn't a guarantee for intelligence or good behavior. This Greek diplomat is just another example. Shameful!
6. Flat broke Greek beggar refuses to wear kippa
Noodles ,   Coney Island   (10.09.13)
Israel just can't get any respect anymore. So when is that next prisoner release due?
7. Bad planning on Israel's part
Zimbi ,   NJUSA   (10.09.13)
These details should be discussed in advance to avoid embarrassments. Let the past be your guide as the article points out this happened before
8. goyim wearing yarmulkas and hats
jennifer ,   jerusalem, Israel   (10.09.13)
I think it a stupid rule for a goy to have to wear a kippa or hat. Certainly that should dress modestly-not like a wild beast-that's only not to offend anyone. The truth of them matter is, they ARE wild beasts-so I guess it's really o.k. for them to dress as such. better than being a wolf in sheeps clothing.
9. Kippa
Jerry   (10.09.13)
the greek premier doesn´t want to be fotographed with a Kippa. Reason is the instability in Greece, has nothing to do with Yad Vashem or disrespect.
10. Next time I'm at a greek diplomatic event....
Jacob E ,   Holon, Israel   (10.09.13)
I'll refuse to wear a toga! This is ridiculous. He was at the memorial service to show respect. Forcing him to wear a kippah is stupid.
11. no respect
Hayati ,   Istanbul Turkey   (10.09.13)
Try to enter a church with your hat, you will be kicked out the minute you try to step your foot into it. Similarly you cannot enter a mosque with your shoes. There are certain rules to abide in places of worship. Somehow when it comes to honor jews, there are always excuses or reasons. Unfortunately these kinds of behaviour shows once again that you cannot erase the hidden antisemitism even during an event which was supposed to show a solidarity with the jewish people
12. Do Israeli Diplomats
Daniel ,   Tel Aviv   (10.09.13)
I have no idea what the answer is, but do Israeli diplomats kiss the Pope's ring or bow to Greek Patriarch? Do they make the sign of the cross? It would seem odd to me if they did and as such it seems odd to me for a non-Jew to be expected to cover his head at a Jewish holy ceremony or site. Should one opt to do any of these things is nice but to create a fuss over it is just wrong.
13. Lets not forget.................
Philip ,   Afula, Israel   (10.09.13)
That the Greek people sent fire fighting planes not long ago to help put out the Mt Carmel fire. A friend in need is a friend indeed and thats what counts. Why must we constantly find fault over these issues without concentrating on the good deeds.
14. Kipa is a Jewish man Mitsva only.
Devrah ,   Miami   (10.09.13)
Since when did it become a decorative ornament? A goy wearing kipa just doesn't make sense.
15. What is the big deal?
Ricardo ,   USa   (10.09.13)
no problem with the Greek not wearing a kippa. his decision, and does not even need to be on Ynet. he can pay the respect to the site according to his believes, not ours...
16. But, Why?
Aviva ,   jerusalem   (10.09.13)
The question is why, why would any diplomat not agree to something like that?
17. It's Only Awkward Because Secular Israelis Make It So
Yishai Kohen ,   YeShA, Israel   (10.09.13)
I'm a religious Jew and there is NO reason why he should have to wear a kippah. Kippot are for Jews. The irony here is that those who feel that it's awkward and who make it awkward are exactly those who themselves don't wear a kippah regularly.
18. So WHAT?
Shalom ,   Ashdod, IL   (10.09.13)
He is not obliged after all he is a Goy!!
19. Agreed and Agreed
Zusha ,   NYC, USA   (10.09.13)
This doesn't need to be taken as an insult to our traditions. There is a lot of strife in Greece right now that is purely an internal issue for them, with the far right movement gaining ground, and the centrist tying To keep the country together. Why should the PM incite and inflame the situation by wearing a symbol that isn't meant for him to wear anyways? He can show plenty respect for our dead, and out tragedies without having to dress like us.
20. No respect
Joe Mevorah ,   Lincoln, USA   (10.09.13)
Samaras is no different than many of his countrymen when it comes to blatant anti-semitism. My family left Greece in order to get away from these assholes who presently represent Greece. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
21. he is not a diplomat
david ,   ta   (10.09.13)
he is the PM of greece
22. It's about respect..
Scott ,   Ramat Gan, Israel   (10.09.13)
First of all, wearing a kippah or a hat does not make you Jewish or betray your beliefs. If he wasn't going to show respect & abide by the traditions of Yad Vashem he had no business being there in the first place. Without showing respect any other gestures are meaningless.It's no wonder Greece is be overrun by Nazis.
23. I dont understand the yarmulkah policy . It doesnt make sens
Jewish ,   Planet Earth   (10.09.13)
sense to me. Non Jews have no requirement whatsover, so why does it even matter? I dont get it
24. Wrong parallel
Jack ,   London   (10.09.13)
Daniel, that's the wrong comparison. Nobody asked the Greek PM to say a Hebrew prayer or kiss the ring of the chief rabbi. He was asked to cover his head. Do Israeli PMs remove their hats when they enter a church? Did Obama remove his shoes before entering a mosque? You bet.
25. #6 - Israel just can't get any respect anymore.
split ,   US   (10.09.13)
You get what you deserve, others are tired of your demands and brashness ,...
26. #13 - Why must we constantly find fault
split ,   US   (10.09.13)
Because it's your nature - Pointing a finger at others and blaming them for your own shortcomings is your trademark ,...
27. What is important
Anadelfos ,   Athens, Greece   (10.09.13)
Samaras avoided to wear the kipa, in order to avoid been accused as Jews pawn, by his political confronters.If he didn't respect Israel, he would have not visit the country.However the important part of his visit is elsewhere.In the joint aeronautical drill, which takes place today in Greece .So the ones who complain, have to focus on the forest instead of the tree....
28. #2
Darren Ben John   (10.09.13)
They both look silly. I would not wear either one.
29. Would Netanyahu wear a cross?
Avi ,   NYC, USA   (10.09.13)
Would Netanyahu wear a cross when he visits memorial sites of Christian nations? Stop getting offended right and left. We Jews turn ourselves into history's biggest cry-babies.
30.  Yad Vashem is not Mecca.
Jew   (10.09.13)
fellow jews will look much better without imposing their customs to others. So what that haredim are wearing uniform? Does this make them better men? Samaras has made his stand by honoring the victims.
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