Israeli man removed from Athens social event, claims discrimination over identity

Rafi Rom, an Israeli who has lived in Athens for 12 years, alleges he was expelled from a social gathering on Saturday night. He claims organizers asked him to leave after discovering he was Israeli and Jewish, citing him as a 'security risk.'

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They told me that the event organizer wanted me to leave the place because I was a ‘security risk.’ I was shocked. I asked why and what exactly I had done, but they just repeated the claim that I posed some kind of threat.

Rom, who has attended previous events hosted by Nomad Hub Greece, stated that security guards approached him and informed him of the organizer's request for him to leave. He was reportedly not given a specific reason for being deemed a risk, despite having done nothing unusual or disruptive. He believes his background was the sole reason for his removal.

The incident took place at the 21 Grams rooftop bar during an event advertised as an international social gathering. Rom recounted that he introduced himself as Jewish and Israeli to other attendees shortly before security intervened. He expressed shock and a deep sense of insult and humiliation, stating he never expected such an experience in Athens, where he has resided for 12 years.

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It is clear to me that the only reason is my background. What security risk do I pose? It is important that people know this happened. This incident shook me.

He noted that he was not able to document the incident at the time and protested politely, perhaps too politely. It was only after leaving the venue that the full impact of the event, which he described as deeply disturbing, began to sink in.

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I was left with a very painful feeling of insult and humiliation. I have lived in Athens for 12 years, and I never expected to be removed from a social event that presents itself as international.