Heavy police presence for Israeli Ambassador’s visit to Corfu
Members of Corfu’s Jewish Community welcome the Israeli Ambassador at the Synagogue, in the heart of the town’s former Jewish quarter. Photo: Enimerosi
CORFU. A limited programme of engagements included a visit to the Synagogue and social meetings. Eyewitnesses described an unusually heavy police presence. No protests were reported.
The visit of Israel’s Ambassador to Greece, Pninat Yanay, to Corfu concluded on Saturday, 17 October, following a limited programme of engagements and a noticeable police presence. According to information obtained by Enimerosi, the Israeli diplomat was on the island at the invitation of the Roka family, for a visit that was more social than official in nature.
The 'apidalo' (traditional rudderless boat), a commemorative gift presented to Ambassador Pninat Yanay by Anthi Mathathia, President of the Jewish Community. Photo: Enimerosi
During her stay, she visited the Synagogue in the old Jewish quarter and met with representatives of Corfu’s Jewish Community.
The Community hosted a lunch in her honour at a restaurant in the town, while the programme also included a reception at a hotel in the Tzavros area, attended by invited Corfiots, according to information obtained by Enimerosi.
The security arrangements accompanying her movements attracted particular attention. Eyewitnesses described a large police presence around the restaurant where the lunch took place, with officers highly visible throughout the surrounding area.
Despite the extensive police deployment, no protests or incidents were reported. It was also not known whether meetings took place with representatives of local government or other officials.
The Ambassador departed for Athens, where her diplomatic mission is based, bringing her brief visit to the island to a close.
GIORGOS KATSAITIS
