Greece News

Lola Hassid Angel, an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor, spoke out about her harrowing experiences as the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen on April 15, 1945. Speaking from her home in Athens, Angel recounted the suffering she witnessed in the Nazi concentration camp, where disease and hunger claimed countless lives. “What happened there was an abomination,” she stated, recalling the conditions that contributed to the deaths of over 70,000 victims. Bergen-Belsen, liberated by British forces, was notorious for its appalling conditions that deemed it a death camp through starvation and illness. According to historical accounts, approximately 60,000 prisoners were found at the camp, with over 14,000 succumbing to illness shortly after liberation. Angel, forced into the camp from Athens in 1944, emphasized the need to remember the horror to prevent history from repeating itself. In her quest for remembrance, Angel has been actively speaking to students in Greece about the Holocaust, aiming to invoke a sense of awareness and vigilance against the resurgence of hatred and war. “My big fear is if another Hitler comes along,” she cautioned.

Authorities in Greece have declared a state of emergency on Amorgos Island as a series of earthquakes continue to affect the region. This comes just days after a similar declaration for Santorini on February 7, following thousands of unusual tremors near these popular tourist destinations. The University of Athens’ crisis management committee reports that approximately 12,000 earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 1 have been detected since January 26, with recent quakes reaching magnitudes around 5. Seismologists indicated that the epicenter of the quakes is gradually shifting northward towards Amorgos, raising concerns for local residents and emergency services. A significant mobilization of resources, including police, fire departments, and coast guard, is underway, primarily focused on Santorini where many residents and seasonal workers have evacuated. Greece's geographical location makes it prone to seismic activity, but such an intense and prolonged sequence of quakes is unusual, according to experts.

The Greek island of Santorini is facing uncertainty for its upcoming tourist season due to thousands of earthquakes occurring since January. With the unofficial tourist season beginning in February and cruise ships expected to arrive, industry officials report a decline in bookings. Antonis Pagonis, president of Greece's Association of Hoteliers, noted, "In the past two days, we have seen a drop in bookings but hope this will be short-lived." The island, which supports a permanent population of just over 15,000, experiences a significant influx of seasonal workers, especially during the peak summer months when it welcomes around 160,000 visitors daily. However, several workers are reconsidering their plans due to concerns about potential tourist withdrawals. Manos, a bartender, expressed concern over job security, stating, "If the season is weak, I might not make as much money." Local authorities have declared a state of emergency and are deploying rescue teams, while hotel owners are advocating for government assistance to maintain their workforce. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of preserving Santorini's reputation as a tourist destination and improving the island's infrastructure.

Authorities declared a state of emergency on the island of Amorgos in Greece on February 12, 2025, following a series of earthquakes in the region. This decision mirrors a similar declaration for the nearby island of Santorini made on February 7, as seismic activity has intensified, with over 12,000 tremors noted since January 26, according to the University of Athens' crisis management committee. Seismologists reported that earthquakes around magnitude 5 have renewed public concerns, particularly as the epicenter of the quakes shifts northward toward Amorgos. While the region is known for its seismic activity, experts highlight the unusual frequency and intensity of these recent tremors, prompting a substantial mobilization of emergency resources, including fire departments and the coast guard. Amorgos and Santorini, popular tourist spots, face challenges as thousands of residents and seasonal workers have evacuated. The emergency measures aim to expedite the deployment of services and resources to manage the ongoing situation, authorities confirmed.

The Greek government has declared a state of emergency on Santorini following an uptick of seismic activity that has seen hundreds of earthquakes rattling the island. This decision comes after a significant magnitude 5.2 tremor, the strongest since tremors began on January 31, shook the region late Wednesday, according to Associated Press. As the seismic activity continues, thousands of residents and seasonal workers have evacuated the island, seeking safety on the Greek mainland via ferry services. Government officials have mobilized multiple emergency services to assist Santorini and the surrounding areas, deploying additional personnel and specialized equipment from fire departments, police, and the military. Experts indicate that the current seismic activity is not linked to volcanic activity in the Aegean Sea; however, uncertainty remains about the potential for stronger quakes. Vassilis K. Karastathis, a seismologist at the National Observatory of Athens, emphasized that there are no signs of a decrease in activity, stating, "We are still in the middle of the road," leaving residents and authorities on high alert.

An EasyJet flight bound for Manchester was forced to make an emergency landing in Athens after the pilot collapsed at the controls, prompting a swift response from the co-pilot and cabin crew. The incident occurred about two hours into the flight from Hurghada, Egypt, leading to a chaotic scene as cabin crew abandoned drink carts and called for medical assistance, according to passengers. Asserting that the captain was in a grave condition, a screen was set up around him while the co-pilot took control and safely landed the aircraft at Athens International Airport, where paramedics awaited. Passengers praised both the co-pilot and cabin crew for their emergency management, with one passenger expressing concerns as the situation unfolded. An EasyJet spokesperson confirmed the captain required medical assistance and that standard procedures were followed. After the diversion, passengers were accommodated overnight and were scheduled to continue their journey to Manchester the following day. The pilot's current medical condition remains undisclosed.

A series of earthquakes, some registering above 4.0 on the Richter scale, have prompted a mass evacuation from Santorini, Greece, where locals remain firm in their resolve. According to local residents like Margarita Karamolegkou, despite the fear and uncertainty, many refuse to leave their beloved island, showcasing resilience in the face of natural disasters. “The noise from the earthquake... it's unbearable. I can't leave my home,” stated Karamolegkou, echoing sentiments of determination among those who choose to stay. Since June 2024, the island has experienced escalating tremors, leading to concern for infrastructure and tourism, which is vital to Santorini's economy, contributing approximately €5.9 billion annually, according to Mayor Nikos Zorzos. Local volunteer Matthaios Fytros emphasized their communal effort to support vulnerable residents during these trying times. While the state has responded with emergency measures, islanders express ongoing frustrations over long-standing requests for improved infrastructure. As tremors persist, the future of Santorini’s tourism and its unique natural environment hangs in the balance.

Greece's government declared a state of emergency on Santorini island on February 6, 2025, following a series of undersea earthquakes that have persisted since January 31. The most significant tremor, recorded at magnitude 5.2, struck late Wednesday, prompting officials to mobilize emergency services to the region. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis stated that personnel from fire departments, police, and coast guard were deployed to assist residents amid the tremors. Despite the earthquakes causing minimal structural damage, thousands of residents and seasonal workers have evacuated to the mainland via ferry. Seismologist Vassilis K. Karastathis indicated that the seismic activity is not linked to volcanic activity but warned that its potential for escalation remains unknown. Crews have cordoned off areas at risk of rockslides and evaluated the structural integrity of school buildings that have been closed during this period of upheaval. The local Orthodox church has called for community support during this challenging time, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among residents.

Thousands of residents are fleeing Santorini after a series of over 300 earthquakes shook the popular Greek island in the Aegean Sea on February 5, 2025. Greece's Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization has warned that this intense seismic activity could last for days or even weeks. Authorities confirmed that approximately 9,000 residents have evacuated, prompting school closures and restrictions on large gatherings. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged residents to remain calm, describing the situation as a “very intense geological phenomenon.” Despite no major damage reported so far, the island, known for its stunning views and as an "Instagram Island," has emptied significantly. Local resident reactions include heightened concern and disbelief, with one 18-year-old stating, “Everything is closed. No one works now.” Santorini's Mayor, Nikos Zorzos, indicated that emergency preparations are underway in the event of larger tremors, while seismologists attribute the recent quakes to tectonic plate movements and not volcanic activity. Historical context highlights that a major earthquake in 1956 resulted in significant casualties.

A series of earthquakes near the volcanic island of Santorini, Greece, has intensified, prompting local authorities to close schools and deploy emergency crews. Since last week, residents have reported numerous tremors, with the largest recorded so far being a magnitude 5 earthquake, which struck 21 miles northeast of Santorini at 2:27 p.m. local time, according to the University of Athens. In response to the seismic activity, precautionary measures have been enacted on Santorini and surrounding tourist islands, as reported by the Associated Press. Although scientists do not expect an eruption, they warn of potentially more powerful quakes in the future. David Pyle, a professor of Earth sciences at the University of Oxford, indicated that the earthquakes are likely due to fault movements along the region, driven by tectonic plate interactions, rather than volcanic activity. Notably, the ongoing earthquake swarm is larger and more intense than previous events, such as one that occurred between 2011 and 2012. Researchers are closely monitoring the situation as thousands of residents and seasonal workers have evacuated the area.

Santorini, Greece, is experiencing significant seismic activity, prompting authorities to close schools and deploy emergency crews on February 3, 2025. According to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, over 200 undersea earthquakes have shaken the island and nearby Aegean Sea islands in the past three days, raising worries of a potential powerful earthquake. Tremors, some exceeding a magnitude of 4, rattled the popular tourist destination continuously on Monday. Local disaster response units have been activated, advising residents and tourists to stay away from indoor spaces and small ports. While permanent residents are accustomed to such geological phenomena, some visitors are opting to leave following the heightened activity. Many travelers have faced challenges in securing transportation, with reports of skyrocketing flight prices, reaching between €300 and €350 per person ($329 to $384). As officials caution that the seismic activity may persist for weeks, efforts are underway to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors on the island.

Santorini, a popular Greek tourist destination, is facing a mass exodus as it rattles from more than 200 earthquakes over the past two days. The tremors, measuring between 3.0 and 4.7 on the Richter scale, have prompted fears of a larger disaster, leading both local residents and tourists to evacuate the island. Greek media report that ferry and flight services are fully booked as visitors scramble to leave. Authorities have raised concerns about potential tsunamis, urging the public to stay away from coastal areas. In response, the military has set up emergency shelters, including makeshift tents on tennis courts, and schools have been closed. Geologist Dimitris Papanikolaou clarified that the seismic activity is linked to tectonic plate movements rather than volcanic eruptions, stating, "We cannot be calm," due to the proximity and frequency of significant quakes. The island, home to 15,500 residents and more than three million annual tourists, has a history of devastating earthquakes, including a major one in 1956 that resulted in significant damage and casualties.

The Greek island of Santorini is experiencing heightened seismic activity with authorities detecting at least 39 mild earthquakes in a single day, primarily of magnitude 3.5 or less. The Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry reported this recent surge in activity, prompting urgent discussions about the potential geological implications for the island, which relies heavily on tourism. Santorini is famed for its volcanic history, notably the catastrophic Minoan eruption around 1600 BC. Despite current tremors, experts, including seismologist Efthymios Lekkas, suggest that there is no imminent risk of an eruption. Lekkas emphasized on Greece’s ERT television that large volcanic explosions occur roughly every 20,000 years, asserting that "it will be a long time before we face a big explosion." The last recorded eruption on Santorini occurred in 1950, indicating the volcano is active but not nearing eruption. Scientists continue to monitor the situation closely to discern whether the recent seismic activity is linked to subterranean magma movement or regular tectonic behavior.

In Athens, Greece, thousands of demonstrators gathered to demand justice for the victims of the 2023 train disaster that resulted in 57 fatalities. The tragedy occurred when a passenger train, carrying 350 people, collided with a freight train near the village of Tempi. The impact caused the front carriages to ignite, leading to a high number of casualties primarily due to a fire involving prohibited chemicals on the cargo train rather than the collision itself. The protests featured the slogan "I don't have oxygen," highlighting the horrendous circumstances surrounding many deaths. The incident has sparked widespread criticism regarding railway safety standards and the government's handling of the investigation that followed. Tensions escalated as riot police clashed with protesters, employing tear gas while demonstrators hurled sticks and objects at officers. The ongoing demonstrations reflect deep-seated public outrage over safety issues in Greece's railway system and demand accountability from authorities in light of such a devastating incident.

Vital Hasson, a Jewish man from Thessaloniki, Greece, is emerging from historical obscurity as a controversial figure for his collaboration with the Nazi regime during World War II. Once part of a prominent Sephardic Jewish family known for their commitment to journalism and education, Hasson's choices starkly contrasted with his family’s values. After the German occupation of Greece in 1941, Hasson became the head of the Jewish police in Salonica, a position that granted him authority over the local Jewish community. Historical accounts reveal that he actively participated in hunting down Jews who were fleeing Nazi persecution. His actions included identifying young men for forced labor and inflicting severe cruelty upon fellow Jews in the ghetto established by the Nazis. Hasson's role in the deportation of approximately 48,000 Jews from Salonica to concentration camps, including Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen, marked him as an infamous figure. Following the war, he was captured and tried for his crimes, resulting in a guilty verdict and execution in 1946—the only Jew in Europe to face such a fate for collaboration. The narrative of Vital Hasson serves as a reminder of the complex and often tragic nature of identity during wartime, illustrating that personal choices can diverge widely from community or familial heritage, sometimes leading to devastating consequences for others.

Recent investigations have revealed that the European Union-funded refugee camps in Greece, specifically in Samos, Kos, and Leros, operate under stringent surveillance measures that raise serious human rights concerns. Established in response to the 2020 refugee crisis, these camps are equipped with advanced technology, including AI-powered security cameras and drones that monitor residents continuously. In October 2023, Palestinian and Syrian refugees staged protests amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. During these demonstrations, security systems detected the unrest, triggering lockdowns without police intervention. Critics argue that the invasive surveillance violates residents' privacy rights and undermines fundamental freedoms as the camps impose strict internal regulations, with penalties ranging from food deprivation to expulsion. Interviews with residents highlight harsh living conditions, compounded by a lack of basic services despite the camps' technological focus. Reportedly, the facilities face disrepair and resource shortages while heavily investing in monitoring systems. Moreover, recent fines imposed by the Greek Data Protection Authority suggest systemic failures to comply with data protection regulations, drawing attention to a lack of transparency regarding data collection and usage practices. Rights defenders stress the importance of responsiveness towards humanitarian needs rather than stringent control measures in a context where refugee populations are already vulnerable. The situation in these camps illustrates broader issues surrounding migration policy in Europe.

In response to a severe two-year drought, Greece is exploring a proposal that would allow coastal hotels on its islands to fill swimming pools with seawater. The initiative is set to be debated in the Greek parliament, aiming to alleviate the pressure on the dwindling freshwater resources exacerbated by the upcoming tourist season. Elena Rapti, the deputy minister of tourism, emphasized the legislation's goals, stating that it would establish a framework for the extraction and pumping of seawater into hotel swimming pools. This measure is designed to conserve freshwater and redirect these vital resources to areas facing more significant shortages. The move comes amid growing concerns about the environmental impact such a policy could have on coastal ecosystems. Critics fear that discharging seawater back into the ocean could disrupt marine life. Additionally, Greece has faced increasing challenges with wildfires, linked to hotter and drier summers, which they attribute to climate change. As hotel occupancy increases during the peak tourist season, officials hope this approach will help manage the water crisis while accommodating the influx of visitors.

A tragic accident occurred on December 23 when Clara Thomann, a 33-year-old science teacher from Santa Barbara, fell 164 feet down a gorge while hiking with her partner, Elliot Finn, near the Preveli Monastery on the Greek Island of Crete. At the time of the fall, Ms. Thomann was six months pregnant. After Mr. Finn alerted emergency services, rescue teams worked tirelessly to retrieve her from the gorge, but Ms. Thomann sustained severe injuries, including chest and skull fractures. She was rushed to a local hospital, where, unfortunately, her unborn child did not survive the accident. Clara Thomann passed away on December 29 due to the extent of her injuries. In a statement, her family shared their heartache and announced their decision to donate her organs, including her liver, kidney, and corneas. They expressed that she was a dedicated teacher who loved helping others. Ms. Thomann's remains were cremated in Athens on January 3, and her ashes will be scattered across Greece and Turkey, celebrating her adventurous spirit. The principal of Dos Pueblos High School, Bill Woodard, paid tribute to Ms. Thomann, stating, "There are no words to describe the sadness we are all feeling." Her dedication to education and students has left a lasting impact on her community.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that Greece systematically conducted illegal pushbacks of asylum seekers, ordering the country to compensate a woman who was forcibly expelled to Turkey despite her claims for protection. This landmark decision marks the first public condemnation by the ECHR regarding Greece's long-denied policies of deporting asylum seekers from the Evros region to Turkey. The court awarded the complainant, known only by her initials ARE, €20,000 in damages, citing strong evidence of a systematic practice of pushbacks by Greek authorities. The incident involved the woman, who fled political persecution as a member of the Gulen movement, being forcibly detained and deported under the cover of darkness in May 2019. The ruling has been hailed by human rights activists and legal representatives, who view it as a vindication for numerous victims of similar practices at the Greek-Turkish border. Marina Papamina from the Greek Council for Refugees described the judgment as a critical acknowledgment of the illegal pushback policy. In response, the Greek government, under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, reiterated its commitment to a "strict but fair" migration policy, despite persistent allegations of human rights violations. The ruling is expected to set a legal precedent, influencing numerous pending cases involving Greece's treatment of asylum seekers. As global conflicts and climate change continue to drive migration, advocates assert that this decision sends a strong message against unlawful border practices and will bolster efforts to hold Greece accountable.

The European Court of Human Rights has condemned Greece for the unlawful pushback of a Turkish refugee. In a ruling issued today, the court found that there were indications of a systematic practice of pushbacks, which constitutes a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights. The case revolves around a Turkish woman convicted in Turkey in 2019 for her association with the Gülen movement, an organization designated as terrorist by Ankara, which blames it for the failed coup attempt in 2016. The woman attempted to flee to Greece via the Evros River but was intercepted on Greek territory. According to her claims, once apprehended, her asylum application was not processed, and authorities confiscated her personal belongings. She was subsequently transported first in a truck and then by rubber boat back to the Turkish side of the river, where she was detained. The Court, operating independently from the EU, stated that such treatment was inhumane, emphasizing that authorities should not have returned her without addressing her asylum request or assessing the risks she faced in Turkey. Greece has been ordered to compensate the woman with 20,000 euros for the violation of her rights.