Search
Home Blog Page 1410

Eleni Petinos MP, Member for Miranda:

Andriana Simos
-
0

Today we celebrate Greece’s defiance of the Axis Powers and fighting for the values of freedom and democracy that unite us all.

On 28 October 1940, Greece sent a message not only to Italian Dictator, Benito Mussolini, but to the entire world – “No”.

In this moment, the global community looked to Greece with admiration and respect as Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas refused to bend to the Italian ultimatum.

This historic display of bravery and defiance in the face of oppression is an enduring legacy instilled in all children of the diaspora, including those growing up here in Australia. This moment in history is the embodiment of the Greek spirit and represents who we are as a people.

80 years on, it is incumbent upon us to take a moment to pause and reflect with pride on the courage and sacrifice of our ancestors this Oxi Day.

As Sir Winston Churchill astutely put it, “We will not say that Greeks fight like heroes, but that heroes fight like Greeks”.

Fiona Martin MP, Member for Reid:

Andriana Simos
-
0

As the grandchild of Greek migrants, I feel a personal pride in the message of OXI Day. The democratic values I represent as an Australian Parliamentarian were first founded in ancient Greece, the cradle of all democracy. These values were reinforced on the 28 October 1940 when Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas refused to submit to Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.

Greeks, Cyprians and people of the Greek diaspora around the world continue to celebrate this powerful ‘no’. We still remember how Greece defied the Axis powers by standing against Fascism and Nazism in World War II.

Even now, Greece continues the legacy of saying ‘no’ to fascism and radical nationalism. Earlier this month, leaders of Greece’s fascist Golden Dawn party were sentenced to prison for their hate crimes. This same spirit of democracy must also be maintained in the face of Turkey’s growing provocations towards Greece, Cyprus and their neighbours.

Greece’s defence of human dignity, freedom and democracy rings true across the 80 years since this historic event. All democratic nations can learn from Greece’s example in standing against the evils of fascism.

Sophie Cotsis MP, Member for Canterbury

Andriana Simos
-
0

80 years ago, the people of Greece said No to fascism. Greeks would eventually fight alongside Allied forces, including forces from Australia.

Greeks and Australians forged bonds of friendship and solidarity – built upon their shared desire for freedom.

The Age newspaper on 30 October 1940 details how the Greek community in Australia responded:
The Consul-General of Greece said that the Greek community in Australia was delighted with the action taken by the Greek Government.

The report continued:
Although many fear for the eventual safety of their relatives in their homeland, Greeks in Sydney are glad that the Italian ultimatum was rejected.

At the only two Greek Orthodox churches in New South Wales prayers for the success of the Allies’ cause are to be offered. 

This history must never be forgotten.

Even though Greece and Australia are half-a-world away, thousands of Australians travelled to fight for Greece’s freedom and independence…while here in Australia the Hellenic community rallied to support the Allied cause.

We must remember the terrible hardships which people endured during the Second World War.

Their sacrifice was noble. We owe them for preserving freedom, democracy and justice in our world.

And let us never forget the courage and certainty Greece showed during freedom’s darkest hour. 

When faced with evil, there is only one answer we must give: Oxi!

Greeks who survived Holocaust as children speak out after decades of silence

The Greek Herald
-
0
Greeks who survived Holocaust as children speak out after decades of silence

“I celebrated my seventh birthday inside the camp of Bergen-Belsen with a piece of bread and sticks for candles,” recalls 83-year-old Lola Angel, one of the few Greek Jews left to remember the horror of the Nazi concentration camps.

“I was just three when I had to hide,” says Nina Camhi, who is 80. “But I still remember the fear.”

Approximately 83 percent of Greek Jews, nearly 59,000 people, were exterminated when the country was occupied by Nazi Germany in 1941-1944.

Most of them came from Thessaloniki, which until then had a prosperous Jewish community dating back to the 15th century, and was known as the Jerusalem of the Balkans.

Nina and Lola are among survivors who have not spoken until now. Because they were so young at the time, they felt it was not their place to speak. But 75 years after the end of World War II, they finally feel ready to pass on their stories to the next generation.

‘I forgot nothing’

“I was but a child but I forgot nothing,” Lola told AFP.

“The memories still haunt me, and the intense smells of the camp are ever-present.”

Lola’s family fled to Athens from Thessaloniki in January 1941, a few months before the capital fell.

In April 1944, the little girl and her family were put on a train to an unknown destination.

“We were packed atop each other and could hardly breathe. Many died en route,” she said.

The intensification and coordination of the “Final Solution” was agreed at a landmark conference of government ministries and top-ranking Nazi and SS officials in the Berlin suburb of Wannsee on January 20, 1942.

The 15 participants at the Wannsee Conference agreed that 11 million Jews should be moved to death camps in an operation under the exclusive authority of the SS.

Jews from all over Europe were systematically deported from mid-1942 to six death camps — Auschwitz-Birkenau, Belzec, Chelmno, Majdanek, Sobibor and Treblinka.

At Auschwitz, more than 1.1 million people were killed, primarily Jews, but also Roma, Soviet prisoners of war and Poles.

At Bergen-Belsen, however, the Nazis tried a different strategy, said Lola, speaking from her Athens apartment where the walls are covered with the pictures of survivors and the dead.

Death by disease

“It was slow death by disease. After the Allies landed in Normandy, the Nazis began concentrating people there, hoping they would die of typhus.”

Her father fell ill with the disease while Lola caught measles.

She said that childhood distractions kept her going.

“I kept my doll until I returned to Greece, and my mother would put a bow in my hair every morning,” she said.

Nina said that in order to evade the first convoys from Thessaloniki to Auschwitz in March 1943, she and her parents and brother fled the city.

A business partner of her father managed to smuggle them by fishing boat to the island of Skopelos.

But her mother’s family died at Auschwitz.

“My mother kept all their letters, up to the point they were deported. After the war, she shut herself up in painful silence,” Nina said.

History lessons

The fate of Greek Jews is still not widely known in the country.

It was only in 2004 that teaching about the Shoah became compulsory in Greece and 10 years later a monument was erected at the site of the former Jewish cemetery which the Germans razed and where the city university now stands.

Just before Bergen-Belsen was liberated in April 1945, Lola was removed by train to north Germany, part of a last-ditch effort by the Nazis to exterminate camp survivors before the Allies arrived.

After days of traveling, the guards abandoned the train and fled. The exhausted and starving prisoners were found by American soldiers a few hours later.

Nina and her parents crossed most of Western Europe — the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Italy — before ending back in Greece in September 1945.

By that point, she had forgotten her Greek, and her family had lost everything.

“We had to start from scratch,” she said.

And returning to Thessaloniki was no easier, with the ghosts of Jewish families staring back from every corner.

“Even today I have nightmares. And I rarely board trains,” she said.

Sourced via The Times of Israel.

NBA family, sporting world and global community rocked after death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant

The Greek Herald
-
0
NBA family, sporting world and global community rocked after death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant

The world has been left shocked today, as it was announced that basketball legend Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash on January 26th, 2020. He was 41-years-old.

His 13-year-old daughter Gianna was also on board. There were no survivors in the helicopter crash and it is suspected there were 9 people on board.

Reactions from NBA greats

The NBA family, from retired legends to emerging stars, have felt the impact of the loss.

Michael Jordan

Basketball legend Michael Jordan spoke out about the loss of his “brother”.

Michael Jordan has spoken on Kobe’s death, saying … “I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe — he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much.”

He adds, “He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force. Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply — and took great pride in his daughter’s love for the game of basketball. Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world.”

Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal posted a tribute to Kobe … saying, “There’s no words to express the pain I’m going through now with this tragic and sad moment of loosing my friend, my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie.”

He continued, “I love you brother and you will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW!”

“Kobe was so much more than an athlete, he was a family man. That was what we had most in common. I would hug his children like they were my own and he would embrace my kids like they were his. His baby girl Gigi was born on the same day as my youngest daughter Me’Arah,” he wrote.

Bill Russell

American former professional basketball player, Bill Russel who played centre for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association from 1956 to 1969, shared the impact of the loss on Twitter.

“Jeannine & I are absolutely shocked to hear of the loss of one of my favorite people & one of the best basketball minds in the history of the game! Our hearts & prayers to Vanessa & his girls. @kobebryant you were my biggest fan, but I was yours #RIPMAMBA”

NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement Sunday regarding the passing of Kobe Bryant:

“The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna.

“For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning.  He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary:  five NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, 18 NBA All-Star selections, and two Olympic gold medals.  But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability.  He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna. 

“We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vanessa, and their family, the Lakers organization and the entire sports world.”

Scottie Pippen

Former Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen shared on Twitter:

“I’m stunned. Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day.”

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Retired basketball legend and former Laker’s player, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shared his thoughts on Twitter.

“Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete.”

Earvin “Magic” Johnson

Former Laker’s legend Magic Johnson shared his statement on Twitter also.

“As I try to write this post, my mind is racing. I’m in disbelief and have been crying all morning over this devastating news that Kobe and his young daughter, Gigi have passed away in a helicopter crash. Cookie and I are heartbroken.”

Dwayne Wade

Basketball great Dwayne Wade tweeted:

“Noooooooo god please no!”

Coby White

Younger emerging basketball stars like Coby White have been equally shaken by the loss of a basketball great.

“This hurts man. Bad 💔”

Zach LaVine

Younger players like Zach LaVine have taken the loss heavily, with Kobe being a source of inspiration to them.

“You were one of the biggest influences on me and so many others. From your hard work, to your swag, your mindset made you BIGGER than basketball. Unbelievable loss. My condolences to you and your beautiful family.#mambamentality #MambaForever”

LaVine followed this message with another tweet stating:

“I’m shook…Idk what to think right now.”

Joel Embiid

The young Philadelphia player also took Kobe’s death to heart, due to the personal inspiration he sourced from the basketball legend.

“Man I don’t even know where to start😭😭 I started playing ball because of KOBE after watching the 2010 finals. I had never watched ball before that and that finals was the turning point of my life. I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE. I’m so FREAKING SAD right now!!!!

RIP LEGEND”

Isiah Thomas

The Washington Wizards player wrote:

“Kobe Bryant Rest in Pease. Unbelievable, unbelievably sad.”

Rockets and Nuggets game

Shortly after the news was announced, the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets were taking the floor for pregame shootaround.

Austin Rivers and Tyson Chandler were seen with tears in their eyes, and forward P.J. Tucker paid tribute to Bryant on his sneakers, with “RIP KB” written on his shoes.

Ahead of the game, which went on as scheduled, the Nuggets held a moment of silence for Bryant. The extended moment of silence was capped off by Nuggets fans chanting Kobe’s name at the Pepsi Center.

As of Sunday afternoon, the NBA hadn’t announced any plans to postpone games. The Lakers aren’t scheduled to play again until Tuesday.

Spurs and Raptors game

The Spurs and Raptors got underway later, and those two teams found a unique way to honour Bryant’s memory.

As the game started, both squads dribbled out the shot clock and voluntarily took back-to-back 24-second violations as a nod to Kobe’s No. 24 jersey, which he wore with the Lakers from 2007 to the end of his career in 2016. 

Presidential reactions

Both Barack Obama and President Donald Trump have tweeted about the loss of Kobe Bryant.

Barack Obama

Barack Obama says, “Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act.”

“To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.”

Donald Trump

President Trump tweeted about Kobe’s death … saying, “Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California. That is terrible news!”

He also posted a lengthier message on Instagram later:

“Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life. He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating. Melania and I send our warmest condolences to Vanessa and the wonderful Bryant family. May God be with you all!”

Other sporting legends

Outside the world of NBA, the impact of Kobe Bryant was felt all the way in the football world and beyond.

Neymar

Football legend Neymar dedicated his second goal to the late Kobe Bryant after news of his tragic passing was confirmed on Sunday.

Neymar honoured Kobe Bryant after a goal for Paris Saint-Germain, by making a gesture of “2” and “4” with his fingers, referencing Bryant’s iconic “24” jersey.

The Brazilian had found out about Bryant’s death at half-time and after finding the net for a second time, gestured the number 24 (Bryant’s iconic LA Lakers number) before praying and pointing to the sky.

At full-time Neymar told reporters: ‘I looked at the messages at half-time. This is a time of immense sadness for the world of sport. Not just basketball fans. I knew him. This celebration was for him. I hope he rests in peace.’ 

Harvard approaches Athens University for proposed course on refugee crisis

The Greek Herald
-
0
Harvard approaches Athens University for proposed course on refugee crisis

Harvard University has expressed interest in organising a course of studies on the refugee crisis and has already made a proposal to Athens University for a possible cooperation, said Ekathimerini.

The project comes amid a push by the government to make Greek universities more outward-looking and to attract more foreign students to the country by promoting cooperation with foreign universities.

The Education and Foreign ministries on Friday co-hosted a seminar at the Foreign Ministry in Athens about this initiative, drawing a large number of attendees from foreign embassies and media as well as prominent Greek academics.

In comments to Kathimerini meanwhile, Education Minister Niki Kerameus noted that she had first learned of Harvard’s interest in organising a study program about the refugee crisis in cooperation with a Greek university during her recent visit to the US with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

According to Kerameus, Athens University has, for its part, expressed interest in putting together such a study program. The university’s rector Thanos Dimopoulos told Kathimerini that the institution has experience in organising an English-language program on similar topics. For instance, its Media Studies and Communications Faculty and its Sociology of the Aegean Department already offer postgraduate courses in media and refugee/migration flows.

A delegation of representatives from 12 American universities is expected to visit Greece at the end of March to explore the prospect for cooperation with Greek educational institutions in greater depth.

Sourced via Ekathimerini.

Health Minister assures all measures against coronavirus have been taken in Greece

The Greek Herald
-
0
Health Minister assures all measures against coronavirus have been taken in Greece

Greek Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias reiterated on Sunday that all the necessary protection measures to address the coronavirus that appeared in China have been taken in Greece, in an interview with Open TV, ANA reports.

“If necessary, the National Public Health Organisation is ready to use thermal cameras at the Greek airports as well as portable pistol thermometers,” said Mr Kikilias.

In Australia, a fourth case of coronavirus has been confirmed, with 3 cases in NSW and 1 in Victoria.

In Europe, 3 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in France.

Turkey earthquake a chance for rapprochement with Greece

The Greek Herald
-
0
Turkey earthquake a chance for rapprochement with Greece

The earthquake that struck Turkey on Friday could provide an opportunity to thaw relations between Ankara and Athens, if certain leaders so desire, said Ekathimerini.

In 1999, earthquakes that struck the two countries, the İzmit earthquake that killed nearly 17,000 and the Athens earthquake that claimed the lives of 143 in Athens, brought about an unexpected warming amid heightened tension, it said in an editorial published on Sunday.

Greece was the first foreign country to pledge aid and support to Turkey during the İzmit earthquake, sending a rescue team of 24 people in addition to a medical team and thousands of tents, mobile hospital units, ambulances, medicine, water, clothes, foods and blankets. 

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has expressed the “wholehearted support” of the Greek people following Friday’s 6.8 magnitude earthquake in the eastern province of Elazığ that has claimed the lives of at least 35 and injured over 1,400.

“This is a tragic event that, in the present circumstances, could change a very negative relationship that is also fraught with danger,’’ it said. 

Turkish-Greek relations are plagued by an array of issues including the territorial waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean.

Just as the climate between the two countries changed in 1999, with the “sincere expressions of solidarity from Greek citizens and the televised scenes of the extraordinary efforts made by Greek emergency workers,’’ Kathimerini said, a climate of friendship and solidarity can once again emerge from the ruins.

The onus is Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to grasp this opportunity by seeking “peaceful coexistence on the basis of good neighbourliness and the rules of international law and set aside the threats and provocations,’’ the article said.

Sourced via Ahval.

OXI Day message to the Greek diaspora by Kostas Vlasis

Andriana Simos
-
0

Σήμερα o απανταχού Ελληνισμός γιορτάζει. Είναι η μέρα, που η Ελλάδα µας ύψωσε το ανάστημά της και βροντοφώναξε “ΟΧΙ” ενάντια στον ωμό και αυθάδη εκβιασμό- των φασιστικών και ναζιστικών δυνάμεων του Άξονα. Το “ΟΧΙ” της 28ης Οκτωβρίου 1940 ερχόταν από πολύ µακριά και από πολύ παλιά, από τις Θερμοπύλες του «Μολών Λαβέ», από το “ου  Φεισόμεθα της ζωής ημών” του  τελευταίου των Παλαιολόγων, από το “Ελευθερία ή θάνατος” του 1821. Το τελευταίο, αλλά όχι έσχατο, “ΟΧΙ” μνημονεύουν, τιμούν και γιορτάζουν οι Έλληνες στην πατρίδα μας και απανταχού  της γης, σε όποιο σημείο πάλλεται και δημιουργεί η ελληνική ψυχή. Η 28η Οκτωβρίου 1940 συµπυκνώνει σε µία ιστορική στιγµή τις µνήμες, τα βιώµατα και τις αξίες  που πάντοτε καθοδηγούν τον εθνικό µας βίο. Την πλήρη άρνηση στην υποταγή, την καθολική  απόρριψη των  ολοκληρωτισμού, την προσήλωση  στα δηµοκρατικό  ήθος  και την  εθνική αξιοπρέπεια.

Η συµµετοχή της Ελλάδας στον Β’ Παγκόσµια Πόλεµο δεν είναι μία  τυχαία  στιγμή στον ρου της ελληνικής και ευρωπαϊκής Ιστορίας. Αποτελεί µία γενναία απόφαση των προγόνων μας να πολεμήσουν εναντίον ενός αντιπάλου  αριθµητικά υπέρτερου και, µέχρι τότε, ανίκητου. Απέναντι στην υπεροπλία των δυνάµεων του Άξονα, οι ‘Ελληνες προέταξαν να ελεύθερο και ακατάβλητο φρόνημά τους. Μία χώρα μικρή σε μέγεθος, αλλά ιστορικά ταγμένη στην προάσπιση υψηλών ιδανικών, κατήγαγε τις πρώτες  σπουδαίες νίκες στα πεδία της μάχης, οι oποίες  έπληξαν το γόητρο και σηµατοδότησαν την αρχή του τέλους του φασισμού και του ναζισµού. Δίπλα τους και οι Απόδηµοι Έλληνες, µε την ελληνική σηµαία και την σημαία των νέων τους πατρίδων, έδωσαν την μάχη υπέρ των πανανθρώπινων αξιών, αυτών που 0 Ελληνισμός έχει κληροδοτήσει στην ανθρωπότητα.

Στη σημερινή συγκυρία, ο εορτασμός του Έπους του 40’ αναδεικνύεται περισσότερο επίκαιρος και διδακτικός από ποτέ. Στην εθνική μας μνήµη βρίσκεται   η κατάλληλη απάντηση στις προκλήσεις που αντιμετωπίζει  το Έθνος μας. Από το “ΟΧΙ” υπερασπίζονται τα παιδιά μας που φρουρούν στον Έβρο, που αγρυπνούν στο Αιγαίο, που προστατεύουν τη σηµαία μας σε ολόκληρη την ελληνική επικράτεια. Εμείς, που η ιστορία µας τίμησε µε βαριά κληρονοµιά, δίνουµε καθηµερινά  -σε θάλασσα, ξηρά και αέρα- την απάντηση που αρμόζει στην αλαζονική προκλητικότητα  που επιδεικνύει η Τουρκία. Η εµµονή σε έκνομες ενέργειες, η παραβίαση του διεθνούς δικαίου και  των κανόνων  καλής  γειτονίας,  η διατάραξη  της ειρήνης  και της ασφάλειας, την εκθέτει στη διεθνή κοινότητα και την καθιστά παράγοντα αστάθειας και παραβατικότητας. Η Ελλάδα, ως σύγχρονο ευρωπαϊκό κράτος, στέλνει σαφές µήνυµα προς πάσα κατεύθυνση:  στους  εκβιασµούς και  στις  απειλές, θα αντιτάσσουμε πάντοτε ένα ανυποχώρητο «ΟΧΙ». Ένα σθεναρό «ΟΧΙ» στις προσπάθειες καταπάτησης της εθνικής μας κυριαρχίας και των κυριαρχικών μας δικαιωμάτων.

Συμπατριώτες μου σε κάθε γωνιά της γης,

Τιμώντας την 28η Οκτωβρίου 1940, όλοι οι Έλληνες γινόμαστε σαν μία γροθιά, ενώνουμε τις δυνάμεις μας και εντείνουμε τον αγώνα για την προάσπιση των εθνικών μας δικαίων με πυξίδα το σθένος και την εθνική ομοψυχία που μας χαρακτηρίζουν.

Έχουμε πίστη στον Θεό και στα ιδανικά του Έθνους.

Government spokesman Petsas: Migration influx has subsided, both on land and sea

The Greek Herald
-
0
Government spokesman Petsas: Migration influx has subsided, both on land and sea

Government spokesman Stelios Petsas on Saturday stressed Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ firm support for the work of police authorities, “whose morals we rely on, so that Greek citizens can enjoy an essential sense of security,” speaking at the city of Alexandroupolis, northern Greece. 

Petsas emphasised the strengthening of the police force and the measures taken to improve the guarding of the country’s borders. 

Speaking to Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA) after his address at the Alexandroupolis Police Directorate, he said that migration “is one of the so-called security issues, and to address it we are implementing a coherent plan,” and noted that concerning the Evros region “we are going ahead with the recruitment of some 400 border patrol officers, which is at the final stage at Evros, and we are also moving ahead with upgrading the logistical equipment available to regional staff.”

“In the context of safeguarding our borders, we are doing what we need to do to reduce flows (to Greece), as these have declined lately-both on land and sea, and we are speeding up asylum application procedures,” he elaborated.

Petsas then mentioned the start of the return of refugees to Turkey, as per the 2016 EU-Turkey Joint Declaration. 
“We started returning (refugees) to Turkey last Friday and we continued through to this Friday,” he said and continued that “as far as those who are not entitled to asylum protection are concerned, the relevant ministry informs the police, the police then informs the relevant Turkish authority who then contacts Frontex, then the latter undertakes the returns to Turkey,” he concluded.

Sourced via AMNA.

1...1,4091,4101,411...1,460Page 1,410 of 1,460

Stay connected:

Other

© 2024 The Greek Herald. All rights reserved.