Athens Mayor fires back at “Israeli” ambassador over Graffiti dispute

A diplomatic row has erupted between Athens Mayor Haris Doukas and “Israeli” Ambassador Noam Katz, sparked by the ambassador's public criticism regarding the city's handling of “antisemitic” graffiti.

The exchange escalated quickly, with Mayor Doukas accusing Israel of "unprecedented genocide" in Gaza, dismissing the graffiti concerns as "marginal details".

Ambassador Katz initiated the dispute in an interview with Greek daily Kathimerini on Sunday, August 3, 2025, stating that “Israeli” visitors felt "uncomfortable" in Athens due to “antisemitic” slogans like “Expel all Israelis” and “Kill the Zionists, save lives”.

He accused city authorities of inaction against "organized minorities" responsible for the vandalism, warning it sent a "dangerous message of tolerance for Jew-hatred".

Mayor Doukas swiftly responded on X (formerly Twitter), declaring, "We don't need lessons in democracy from those who kill civilians".

“Athens, the capital of a democratic country, fully respects its visitors and supports the right of free expression of its citizens,” Doukas continued.

“We do not accept lessons in democracy from those who kill civilians and children in food lines, from those who lead dozens of people to death in Gaza every day, from bombs, hunger and thirst,” he added.

“It is appalling that Mr. Ambassador focuses only on graffiti (which is apparently being erased), while an unprecedented genocide is being carried out in Gaza,” Doukas said before finally pointing out that the number “of Israelis who have been granted a Greek Golden Visa has increased by over 90%”.

While the Athens Municipality announced plans in August 2024 to upgrade its anti-graffiti service and launch a new cleanliness app, Jewish organizations note "inconsistent" cleanup efforts, particularly in central Athens.

The Greek left-wing opposition has sided with Mayor Doukas, criticizing the “Israeli” envoy and accusing the Greek government of advocating for "Israel's crimes".