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Athens Mayor Haris Doukas Criticizes Israel Amid Rising Golden Visa Applications from Israelis

Published date:
August 3, 2025
Dean Fankhauser
Written by:
Dean Fankhauser
Reviewed by:
Radica Maneva
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas Criticizes Israel Amid Rising Golden Visa Applications from Israelis
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We use the highest editorial standards at Movingto by ensuring every article is written by a qualified lawyer or immigration expert and fact-checked by a Portugal licensed lawyer. Learn more about our Editorial Process.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas Condemns Israel's Actions in Gaza


Athens Mayor Haris Doukas recently criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza, labeling them as genocide. This public condemnation came as a response to Israeli Ambassador Noam Katz's criticisms regarding antisemitic graffiti in Athens. Doukas firmly rejected the ambassador's focus on graffiti, emphasizing that Athens is committed to combating violence and racism.


Doukas's Response to Israeli Criticism


In a post on X, Doukas openly rejected any democratic lessons from those he accused of civilian deaths in Gaza. "We reject lessons in democracy from those responsible for civilian deaths," Doukas stated, underscoring the city's active opposition to violence and racism.


Surge in Greek Golden Visa Applications from Israelis


Interestingly, alongside these political tensions, there has been a reported 90% increase in Greek
issued to Israeli citizens over the past year. This statistic, while not independently verified by official sources, suggests heightened interest in Greece's residency programs amid geopolitical shifts. Greece's Golden Visa program, requiring a minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate, remains one of Europe's most attractive options for non-EU nationals.


Greek Golden Visa Program Details


The Greek Golden Visa program offers residency permits to non-EU investors who purchase real estate valued at a minimum of €250,000. This program remains operational and competitive globally, attracting diverse nationalities, including a significant number of Israelis. There is no indication of any recent changes or suspensions to this program as of 2025.


Conclusion


Haris Doukas's statements and the surge in Golden Visa applications from Israelis highlight the complex interplay between geopolitical tensions and migration trends. As Athens navigates these challenges, the Greek Golden Visa program continues to be a pivotal tool for attracting international investors.

How we reviewed this article

All Movingto articles go through a rigorous review process before publication. Learn more about the Movingto Editorial Process.

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