Current events, both disheartening and uplifting.

      Sunday in Athens, Greece a bomb exploded killing a 15 year-old Afghan boy and injuring both his mother and sister. Since then, two groups have claimed responsibility for the attacks. This new group known as the “Revolutionary National Socialist Front" is one of several terrorist groups that are far-left, this particular group also supposedly promotes racism and targets people who are immigrants or have ties to political and financial issues. They even issued a threat of sorts, explaining their fear of becoming a minority in their own country, and saying meetings in mosques should no longer be considered safe. However, it has yet to be confirmed that they were responsible for the bombing, considering just a few hours earlier another guerrilla group had claimed responsibility. Either way, this story is just another indicator of the growing chaos and strife within Greece that is flanked by prejudices and racism that extend into the political, financial, and religious realms.

      On a more uplifting note in the city of Thessaloniki, a prayer meeting was held in light of the economic crisis. Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, and coincidentally my interviewee Alex’s hometown. The unemployment rate in Greece is 10.2% and higher in the north, where Thessaloniki is. Paul Daramola, the Nigerian pastor of a largely Nigerian congregation at a Protestant church, said he felt God telling him to hold this meeting. News of the prayer meeting was distributed amongst people from all nationalities and denominations. The service was unique and complete with both an orchestra and a choir. The service also stands out as a beacon of hope, considering the Greek Orthodox Church is at odds with the government due to their plans to tax them for their numerous property holdings. This non-violent act of unity working to end the economic crisis stands out as a ray of hope in the midst of struggle throughout the country.

Interview with Greek Flagler College student Alexander Gianopulos

      I apologize for taking so long in between posts lately, but here is something a little different.  I interviewed Alexander Gianopulos, a Flagler College student, who has lived in both America and Greece.

      Alex’s relationship to Greece is a little different. He was born in the United States, moved to Greece when he was 7, and is now in the U.S. again for school. His initial impression of America was positive, he wrote, “I always thought America was a clean, organized, low priced country.” He viewed America as a good place to get a job and an education. With this intention he returned to the U.S. to get a college education. Unfortunately, he discovered there were various different social issues within the country. In particular, he recognizes the prevalent alcoholism, homelessness, and unemployment.

        As a Greek in America, he misses his homeland at times but is happy to be here. After he graduates he may go back to Greece or stay here, possibly moving to the west coast or Seattle. Both the culture and language have been hard for him to adjust to, and he would have missed out on many close friendships and experiences in Greece. The actual city he comes from is Thessaloniki, which is the second largest city, but most Americans do not know much about it. Instead, we hear more about the islands and the countries capital, Athens.

      Here Alex feels he stands only due to his height and facial hair, and there are things he wishes we understood about Greece. For starters, he says Greek food is very different from ours and our form of it. Also, he explains, “even though it is considered a religious Christian country, the majority of them have no clue about Christianity and Jesus Christ.” He also would love for his friends here to visit Greece. If someone wants to actually move there, they would have to be financially capable. Greeks who come to America, often times do not want to return because they are afraid they will not be able to get a job. In regards to the American financial situation, he feels the American dream is still possible but only if you have enough money to make it happen. However, he does not think materialism is a way to gain happiness.

      In comparison to Greece, Alex feels the issues in America are similar but they occur on a larger scale because the country is larger. As far as social issues go, he feels sex trafficking and substance abuse are the major issues. In regards to Anti-Semitism the topic my blog was addressing, he has not really seen it in Greece. He explained he believes it exists, but that it is not an issue because there are not that many Jews in his city. The city he is from Thessaloniki used to have a large Jewish population, but after World War II the population has greatly diminished.

      Alex personally has not seen any Anti-Semitism in Greece. He also loves the Jewish people; although, he does not agree with their religion. In terms of sex trafficking and substance abuse, the social issues he feels are most prevalent in Greece, he is affected by them in the sense that he wants to do something about them. He also thinks the issues in Greece do not directly influence Americans. However, he wrote that most likely Americans who have visited Athens have encountered drug addicts.

Current news in Greece

     Recently, if you have heard Greece in the news it is most likely in connection to talk of their economic crisis. Due to recent collapses in the stock market and a debt crisis, Greece has come under fire from both its citizens and others around the world. This past week an austerity plan was introduced that features 30% cuts in civil servants holiday bonuses.

     Friday, riots in protest of this cut broke out. The protesters were spurned by Germany’s refusal to offer financial aid to Greece. These cuts to help repair the damage done by the budget deficit are also coupled with higher consumer taxes. While politicians debating the upcoming cuts, 7,000 protesters gathered at the Tomb of the Unknown solidier in Athens. There were also riots in Thessaloniki. The protesters clashed with riot police particularly in Athens where they had smashed windows, attacked military guards, and thrown missiles at the police. The police fought the crowds with tear gas, billy clubs, and physical force. The leader of the main workers’ union Yiannis Panagopoulos was injured in the protests and some of the politicians were also manhandled amidst the chaos. The article linked to above even compared images of the riots to those of battle scenes from Ancient Greece.

     Events like this effect all of Greece and are currently the most talked about issues internationally in reference to the country. As this YouTube poster with this clip from ABC news points out, these riots are merely a repetition of history.