Rising Hate Crimes Against Israel: Greek Police Make Arrests in Synagogue Burnings

The Greek police have made several arrests in the past year for setting fire to Israeli-owned hotels and synagogues in Athens, as reported by Reuters. Among those arrested were a 25-year-old Greek woman, two Iranians aged 46 and 36, and a 44-year-old Afghan accomplice. They were charged with arson and causing damage to foreign-owned property in a racially motivated attack that took place on May 15.

Another incident occurred on June 18 when two men, a 44-year-old Greek man and a 26-year-old Afghan man, threw a flammable substance at the entrance of a synagogue in Athens while riding a motorcycle. This action resulted in a fire, and a 30-year-old Iranian was arrested as an accomplice. They were charged with arson, possession of a weapon, and robbery.

In March of the previous year, the Greek police arrested two men suspected of being involved in a group planning an arson attack or an assault on an Israeli restaurant and synagogue in Athens. The Israeli Mossad commended the Greek police for their response to these arrests and accused Iran of orchestrating the operations.