Rafi Rom, an Israeli who has resided in Athens for 12 years, says he was ejected from a social gathering in the city on Saturday night after event organizers discovered his Israeli and Jewish heritage.
According to Rom, security guards ordered him to leave, claiming he posed a “security risk.” However, he had engaged in no unusual behavior, and the guards failed to specify what exactly constituted this alleged threat.
The incident occurred at an event hosted by Nomad Hub Greece, a community that organizes gatherings for digital nomads, remote workers, foreign residents, and travelers. Rom noted that he had previously attended events hosted by this community.
The gathering took place at the 21 Grams rooftop bar in Avissinias Square, central Athens. It was advertised as an international, public social event featuring music and views of the Acropolis, with free entry via advance registration. The event listing indicated that 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 stated that among the attendees was an acquaintance from previous events, a Lebanese Christian man, whom he believes was likely one of the hosts.
“I saw him talking with the security personnel,” he remarked.
Rom explained that several minutes later, while standing alone and away from other guests, security guards approached him.
“They told me that the event organizer wanted me to leave the premises 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 asserted that up to that point, he had not confronted anyone, caused a disturbance, or been told his behavior was inappropriate. He emphasized that the only action preceding his removal was introducing 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 described struggling to process the situation as it unfolded.
“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 shared that only after leaving the venue did he begin to grasp the significance of the events.
“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 stated he has no intention of attending future events hosted by the same organizer.
“Clearly, I personally will no longer attend events by that host. It is important to warn others as well.”
He expressed that the incident was particularly hurtful because the gathering was promoted as an international event open to people from all over the world.
As of publication, Walla has not received a response from the event organizers or venue representatives regarding his claims.
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