Concert in Thassos ends in violence against Pro-Palestine protesters

A concert that was due to take place on the island of Thassos on Saturday night, as part of the local Arts Festival under the auspices of the Municipality, ended in violence and injuries against citizens demonstrating in support of Palestine.

Footage published by efsyn.gr reveals the incident, showing pro-Israeli musicians attacking pro-Palestine protesters with kicks, punches, threats, and offensive language.

The performance included the band Jamison 145, whose members reportedly have close ties with Israel. The collective Thassos for Palestine, which had previously alerted the festival’s artistic director, denounced the event.

Organizers claimed they were unaware of the musicians’ political affiliations. Although they refused to cancel the concert, they allowed the collective to stage an intervention with banners, slogans, and leaflets. Both the organizers and the Municipality were informed of this plan, something later confirmed by the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Police Directorate.

The concert was scheduled for 9 p.m., and from 8:30 p.m. members of Thassos for Palestine had gathered at the venue. According to their account, when three members began distributing leaflets, the musicians reacted aggressively, shouting: “Thassos stays with Israel, Thassos stays with IDF.”

The collective requested protection from the organizers, but when one member attempted to read their prepared statement, the musicians cut off the microphone. “As soon as he tried to speak, the singer pushed him and grabbed the microphone. Within seconds, their friends rushed in and started kicking and punching us violently. One of our members was injured in the head and taken to hospital. We had children with us and tried to get them away. I was in shock. They were extremely provocative. One of the Israelis came up to me and said: ‘your child will be next’ while making a throat-slitting gesture,” one protester said.

Another added: “The next morning I found a message on my phone from a man involved in the incident. It was written in fluent Greek. Somehow he found me on social media. I felt threatened and will file a complaint with the local police.” According to the collective, the band members and their supporters mainly targeted women and young people.

The Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Police Directorate told efsyn.gr by phone that cases of physical assault are not prosecuted ex officio but require a formal complaint.

The incident left behind injuries, intimidation, and a heavy shadow over an event that was meant to celebrate art and culture. The allegations made by Thassos for Palestine have already been submitted to local authorities, with further action by the competent services expected.