Graffiti calling for “Death to the IDF” has appeared in Heraklion, Crete, one of the most popular summer destinations for Israeli tourists, amid a broader wave of pro-Palestinian protests across Greece.
The message, written in English on a wall, also included the phrase “Long live Palestinian resistance” alongside a Palestinian flag. The Combat Antisemitism Movement, which published documentation of the graffiti, called on Greek authorities to act against such displays and ensure the safety of visitors.
The hate graffiti in Crete
(Photo: Combat Antisemitism Movement)
The incident comes at the height of the Greek tourism season, when Crete and other islands are especially popular among Israelis. In recent years, Greece has become one of the main overseas vacation destinations for Israeli travelers. Crete is among the most popular islands, with numerous direct summer flights between Ben Gurion Airport and Heraklion.
According to figures published by the Israeli Embassy in Athens, more than 500 flights operate each month between Israel and Greece, serving more than 20 destinations across the mainland and islands.
Sacha Roytman, CEO of the Combat Antisemitism Movement, said graffiti explicitly calling for the killing of IDF soldiers went beyond legitimate political criticism. “When slogans calling for the elimination of IDF soldiers appear in the heart of Crete, the main and most sought-after vacation destination for the Israeli public, this is not legitimate criticism but direct incitement to violence and terrorism,” Roytman said. He called on Greek authorities to stop tolerating such vandalism and adopt “zero tolerance” toward displays of hatred in order to protect visitors.
Last month: Anti-Israel protest at a port in Greece
(Video: Ido Kershober)
The graffiti appeared against the backdrop of a wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations across Greece. Dozens of demonstrations and rallies were held Sunday in locations ranging from Athens and Thessaloniki to islands and other popular tourist destinations.
Greek media reported that thousands of people participated in the demonstrations as part of a nationwide day of action in support of the Palestinians. A protest was held in Athens’ Syntagma Square followed by a march, while demonstrations took place simultaneously in numerous cities and islands. Greek reports on Sunday’s events did not indicate any major incidents in which Israeli tourists were injured.
Ahead of the demonstrations, Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued heightened cautionary guidance for Israelis staying in Greece. The ministry urged travelers to remain vigilant, stay away from demonstrations and large gatherings and avoid any friction or confrontation with protesters. Israelis were also advised to keep Israeli and Jewish symbols discreet, avoid posting their location on social media in real time and follow announcements from local authorities.
Israeli tourists in Crete had already encountered a pro-Palestinian demonstration last month. Mano Maritime’s Crown Iris cruise ship arrived at the port of Sitia, where protesters carrying a large Palestinian flag were waiting for passengers. Local police created a barrier between the demonstrators and the Israelis. Some passengers left the ship and continued touring the city, while others returned after saying they felt threatened. Mano Maritime said at the time that passengers who disembarked and toured Sitia and the surrounding area were not prevented from doing so.
The incidents in Greece come amid an increase in reports of hostility and antisemitism directed at Israelis abroad. According to Foreign Ministry figures released last month, 45 Israelis affected by antisemitic incidents overseas between July 2025 and July 2026 required ministry assistance.
The incidents included assaults, spitting, verbal abuse, refusal of service and expulsions from hotels, cafes and restaurants.
Greece also ranked high in the overall number of distress calls from Israelis abroad. From the beginning of 2026 through mid-July, 206 such inquiries were received from Greece, the third-highest number after the United Arab Emirates and Thailand.
That figure includes all distress cases handled by the Foreign Ministry and does not refer exclusively to antisemitic incidents.
“With the past year, we are seeing a phenomenon on a scale we did not know before: Israelis contacting us after encountering antisemitic incidents during stays abroad,” Eli Yifrah, the Foreign Ministry’s deputy director-general for consular affairs, said when the figures were released.