Reactions to the demonstration of the Corfu School of Music for Palestine on the day the Nazis rounded up the Jews of the island

The decision made by the Corfu ELME to organize a demonstration this afternoon, June 9, 2025, in support of Palestine has sparked a reaction.

Secretary General of Religious Affairs, Giorgos Kalantzis, has pointed out that the protest, which is directed against Israel and in favor of Palestine, coincides with the feast of the Holy Spirit. This day holds significant importance for Orthodoxy and has been designated as a holiday for certain sectors, including teachers. Furthermore, it carries profound symbolism for Corfu.

Kalantzis elaborated, stating, “This date marks the day the Nazis rounded up the Greek Jews of Corfu and initiated their deportation to the Auschwitz extermination camp. Of the roughly 2,000 Jews from Corfu, only 166 survived.” He emphasizes the gravity of the occasion.

Full Statement from Giorgos Kalantzis:

The Corfu ELME is calling for a demonstration on June 9 with the slogan “No support for the murderer state of Israel.”

June 9, 2025, is particularly significant for Orthodoxy as it marks the feast of the Holy Spirit, a holiday recognized for specific professional groups, such as teachers and judges, acknowledging their contributions to the nation’s spiritual life.

In Corfu, this date also holds deep symbolic meaning, as it commemorates the day the Nazis gathered the Greek Jews and began their deportation to Auschwitz. Out of approximately 2,000 Jews from Corfu, only 166 survived.