Rafi Rom, an Israeli who has lived in Athens for 12 years, claims he was removed from a social event in the city on Saturday night after organizers learned that he was Israeli and Jewish.
According to Rom, security guards told him he had to leave because he allegedly posed a “security risk,” despite the fact that he had not done anything unusual and was not told what specifically constituted that risk.
The incident took place at an event hosted by Nomad Hub Greece, a community that organizes gatherings for digital nomads, remote workers, foreign residents, and travelers. Rom said he had attended events hosted by the community in the past.
The event was held at the 21 Grams rooftop bar in Avissinias Square in central Athens. It was advertised as an international social gathering open to the public, with free entry through advance registration, music, and views of the Acropolis. According to the event listing, 76 people had confirmed their attendance.
“When I arrived, there were already 50 or 60 people there,” Rom told Walla. “I entered, ordered a beer, and started talking with people. I introduced myself as Jewish and Israeli.”
Security guards removed Rom from the event, calling him a ‘security risk.’
Rom said that among those at the event was someone he knew from previous gatherings, a Lebanese Christian man, who he believes was likely one of the hosts.
“I saw him talking with the security personnel,” he said.
Rom said that several minutes later, while he was standing alone and away from other attendees, security guards approached him.
“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,” he said.
Rom said that until that point, he had not confronted anyone, caused a disturbance, or been told that his behavior was inappropriate. He said the only thing that happened before he was removed was that he introduced himself to other attendees as Israeli and Jewish.
“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 said.
Rom said he struggled to process the situation while it was happening.
“During the event I was probably in shock, and the fact is that I did not pull out my phone to document it and I did not even protest loudly. I did protest, but politely, maybe too politely.”
He said that only after leaving the venue did he begin to understand the significance of what had happened.
“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 open to people from around the world, simply because I am Israeli.”
Rom said he does not intend to attend events hosted by the same organizer in the future.
“Clearly, I personally will no longer attend events by that host. It is important to warn others as well.”
He said the incident left him especially hurt because the gathering was presented as an international event open to people from around the world.
As of publication, Walla has not received a response from the event organizers or venue representatives regarding his claims.
