Emilia Kamvysi, the last of the three iconic grandmothers of Lesvos island who became a symbol of solidarity during Greece’s refugee crisis in 2015, has died at the age of 93.
Emilia, along with Efstratia and Maritsa Mavrapidou, became famous when a local photographer captured them helping a young Syrian mother who had just landed on the shores of Lesvos after making the treacherous crossing from Turkey.
Despite their advanced ages, Emilia, Efstratia and Maritsa went down to the shore daily to help other volunteers assist the refugees who were arriving at the time.
All three were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2016.
Greece’s President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, had the privilege of meeting Emilia and Efstratia at their homes in 2020, along with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Maritsa died in January 2019 at the age of 92 and her cousin Efstratia passed away in 2022 at the age of 96.
Source: SKAI.gr.
