Israeli businesses vandalised in Paris and Greece

The Paris headquarters of Israeli airline, El Al, was attacked by vandals on Wednesday night. The words “genocide airline” were painted in red across the doors, and more red paint splashed over the building, according to Ynet News.

While the airline confirmed no one was hurt or in the building at the time, they issued a statement saying, “El Al views this incident with utmost seriousness and is working with French and Israeli authorities to address it.” They added, “We proudly carry Israel’s flag on our planes’ tails and condemn all forms of violence, especially those driven by antisemitism.”

"Acts of hatred and anti-Semitism have no place in our Republic,"  wrote French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot on 𝕏 the following morning.

Israel’s Transportation Minister Miri Regev also condemned the attack, writing on 𝕏, “French citizens, wake up. Today it’s El Al; tomorrow it could be Air France. When President [Emmanuel] Macron makes statements rewarding Hamas, this is the result.”

Describing the act as “barbaric and violent” Regev insisted that the perpetrators must be swiftly identified and brought to justice. 

Meanwhile, in Greece, pro-Palestinian protesters are gathering to oppose the arrival of the cruise ship, Crown Iris, operated by Israeli company, Mano Maritime. The cruise liner is due to dock at Volos on the Pelion Peninsula and faces a series of anti-Israel demonstrations at the promenade, planned to coordinate with its arrival on Thursday. 

“Activist groups in Volos have announced a series of events opposing the scheduled arrival of the Israeli cruise ship Iris Crown on August 13, which they associate with support for the IDF and military actions in Gaza,” warned the Diaspora Affairs Ministry. 

The demonstrations at Volos will be part of the country-wide “Day of Action for Gaza” campaign in Greece with over 25 anti-Israel protests planned to take place on Sunday throughout the country, both on the Greek mainland and also the main islands popular with tourists. 

According to the Diaspora Affairs Ministry report, the initiative against the supposed genocide of Palestinian people has been titled "Not in our land, not in our name," and encourages people “to demonstrate their solidarity and ensure that Greece is not seen as a safe haven for those who support or participate in the conflict,” or as “a place of relaxation for those connected to the Israeli Defense Forces.”

The demonstrations aim to disrupt tourism linked with Israel by targeting ports, popular squares and tourist hotspots such as archaeological sites, accusing Israel of violating human rights.

The Diaspora Affairs Ministry has labeled the risk level for traveling to Greece as “high” for Israeli travelers in their report on the planned protests between August 7-13.

The incidents represent the growing anti-Israel sentiment in Europe fueled by pro-Palestinian propaganda being amplified on social media. The hostility, evidenced by a pattern of escalating attacks, has precipitated debates about security and the challenges faced by Israeli businesses operating in Europe.