Zionist thought police in action again.
Israel objects to remark by noted Greek composer
by Herb Keinon Wednesday November 12, 2003 at 05:57 PM
Israel has complained to the Greek government about comments by the composer Mikis Theodorakis, who called Jews "the root of evil" and dismissed key biblical figures as mere "shadows," a diplomatic source said Wednesday.
Greek composer and cultural icon Mikis Theodorakis added his contribution to the anti-Semitic miasma rising in parts of the world by characterizing the Jews as the root of the world's evils.
Theodorakis, a towering figure in Greek music best known outside his native land for scoring the music for the film Zorba the Greek, took his shot at the Jews at a press conference to launch a new book.
"We, the Greeks, did not turn aggressive like them because we have more history," Theodorakis was quoted by Y-net as saying. "Today it is possible to say that this small nation is the root of evil. It is full of self-importance and evil stubbornness."
According to the Y-net report, the Greek education and cultural minister were in the audience at the time, but did not respond.
Theodorakis, responding to recent comments by a Greek statesman that the Greeks and Jews are similar because neither have friends, said, "The fact that we are very calm and did not turn aggressive like them is because we have more history. They only have Abraham and Jacob, who were shadows, while we have Pericles. Imagine what would happen in Greece if we were as aggressive as the Jews."
The composer added that the Greeks are not characterized by the fanaticism of the Jews.
Israel's Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling on Greek leaders and cultural figures to distance themselves from the remarks.
"The Israel public is utterly repulsed" by Theodorakis's "anti-Semitic comments," the statement said, and expressed regret that they were spoken by someone of his stature.
"We do not believe that the comments reflect the position of the Greek government, and therefore expect Greek leadership and cultural figures to denounce them," the statement read."
Labor Party head Shimon Peres, who returned Tuesday from a brief visit to Greece, said in response to Theodorakis comments that Israel's image in Europe is very bad. "There is anti-Semitism and a great deal of hatred to Israel," Peres said. "It is impossible to build a new Europe on old racist positions." |
