Relations between Greece and Israel, the threat posed by extreme-right Golden Dawn party, the security of the Jewish community and anti-Semitism were high on the agenda of talks the World Jewish Congress (WJC) leaders held in Athens with Greek government officials, including Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias, Education Minister Nikos Filis, Minister of Public Order Nikos Toskas and the leader of the opposition Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Also, at a meeting with the head of the Orthodox Church in Greece Archbishop Ieronymos II, recent anti-Semitic statements made by Church officials, were discussed. WJC CEO Robert Singer said: “Archbishop Ieronymos reassured us that the Greek Orthodox Church does not agree with these statements and that he is open to intensify the interfaith dialogue with the World Jewish Congress.”

Singer said that although there had been few violent incidents against Jews and Jewish sites in Greece in recent months, anti-Semitic stereotypes were still widespread in Greek society.

He welcomed initiatives undertaken by the government to teach about the Holocaust in public and private schools in Greece.

“Racism and anti-Semitism are not just opinions, they are dangerous to our societies as a whole, and that’s why they need to be combatted vigorously. The key to this is education, and also firmness on the part of the government and the leaders of civil society,” Singer said.

Regarding the extreme-right anti-Semitic Chryssi Avgi (Golden Dawn) party, the WJC CEO said: “The actions of Golden Dawn are harmful to Greece’s reputation in the world. Golden. This party must be politically isolated and fought, and I am glad that nobody I spoke to here in Greece thinks that any contacts should be established with this party.”

The head of the Central Board of Greek Jewish Communities (KIS) and vice-president of the WJC, Moses Constantinis, accompanied Singer to his meetings.

About 5,000 Jews live in Greece.