Leon Sofilas, 37, has been charged in connection with an arson attack on the former home of Jewish leader Alex Ryvchin in Dover Heights, Sydney.
The attack, which occurred on January 17, involved antisemitic graffiti, the burning of two vehicles, and red paint thrown at the property, as reported in The Australian.
Ryvchin, the co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, had sold the home three years earlier, making the attack even more perplexing.
Leon Sofilas is accused of playing a role in multiple anti-Semitic attacks across Sydney. Photo: The Australian.
Sofilas, who was already in a correctional facility after being charged with attempted arson at a Newtown synagogue on January 11, was arrested alongside 33-year-old Adam Moule. Both men, who have extensive criminal records, have pleaded not guilty, citing concerns for their safety and health issues while in detention.
NSW Police are continuing their investigations under Strike Force Pearl, a task force dedicated to addressing hate crimes in Sydney. Authorities are examining whether the attack was part of a broader wave of antisemitic incidents in the city.
Sofilas and Moule remain in custody and are set to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on April 3, 2025.
Greece’s Supreme Court has launched an urgent investigation into the death of Vasilis Kalogirou, marking a significant shift in approach following public allegations of foul play.
The 39-year-old went missing in late December 2024. As speculation over his disappearance grew, online theories emerged suggesting a possible connection to his mother, Larissa Appeals Prosecutor Sofia Apostolaki, who was overseeing the investigation into the deadly Tempi train crash.
The 2023 Tempi rail disaster, which claimed 57 lives, sparked controversy, with the Greek government facing allegations of a cover-up and mass protests. Many online speculations linked Kalogirou’s disappearance to these accusations.
In early January 2025, Supreme Court Prosecutor Georgia Adeilini and the Union of Greek Public Prosecutors dismissed any connection between Kalogirou’s case and his mother’s work. Private investigator Giorgos Tsoukalis, hired by the family, also ruled out any link, stating, “Although public speculation connected Vasilis’ disappearance to his mother’s profession, both the family and I reject this theory.”
However, this week, Kalogirou’s body was discovered 18 km from where he vanished, with multiple injuries, raising new concerns. His mother, who had initially denied any link to her judicial role, publicly suggested that her son may have been murdered.
The case quickly took on a political dimension. SYRIZA leader Socrates Famellos criticized Supreme Court Prosecutor Adeilini in Parliament, questioning why she had been so quick to dismiss any connection between Kalogirou’s disappearance and Apostolaki’s investigations.
Adeilini defended her stance today, explaining that Apostolaki had personally requested the Greek Prosecutors’ Association and the Supreme Court Prosecutor’s Office to publicly refute any link between her son’s disappearance and her judicial work. “This was the reason for the statements made in early January by both the Supreme Court Prosecutor’s Office and the Union of Greek Public Prosecutors, which categorically rejected any attempt to exploit this tragic human event under the pretense of public information,” she stated. “Nonetheless, every possible cause of Vasilis Kalogirou’s death is now under investigation.”
Following her statement, Adeilini ordered an urgent preliminary inquiry into Kalogirou’s death. In her directive to the Larissa First Instance Prosecutor’s Office, she instructed: “Conduct an urgent investigation into the circumstances of Vasilis Kalogirou’s death, providing the necessary guidance to the police authorities already handling the case.”
Apostolaki has been summoned to testify and is expected to present names and evidence supporting her claims. “You must obtain a statement from Mrs. Sofia Apostolaki, who has publicly voiced suspicions of criminal activity against her son, asking her to identify the individuals she believes are responsible and to provide any relevant evidence,” Adeilini ordered.
Additionally, Kalogirou’s father and uncle—a former judge and ex-MP of the “Niki” party—have also been called in for questioning.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended the 8th Thessaloniki Summit on Wednesday, February 19, where he addressed opposition criticism regarding his government’s handling of the Tempi train tragedy.
Mitsotakis denounced what he described as a “swamp” of political toxicity aimed at destabilizing Greece’s political landscape, warning that “the masks will fall” in Parliament.
He dismissed accusations that his government was covering up the 2023 Tempi train disaster, which claimed 57 lives. “This goes beyond political polarization; it is a calculated effort to drag public discourse into the mud,” he stated. “The objective is clear: to undermine the government and discredit the prime minister.”
“I have heard many lies throughout my career… We’ve been labeled ‘smugglers,’ a ‘gang of pedophiles,’ and now, ‘murderers.’ This disgrace must end. We cannot allow political debate to remain this toxic,” Mitsotakis asserted.
He stressed that these issues should be addressed in Parliament, declaring: “If they want to challenge us, let them do so in Parliament. That is where the truth will be revealed.”
Reaffirming his commitment to stability, Mitsotakis stated, “My primary duty is to keep our nation on course, and I will fulfill this responsibility.”
Addressing demands for justice over the Tempi tragedy, he emphasized that legal procedures—not “public trials or internet speculation”—should determine accountability. He also challenged the opposition, stating that if they could not bring forward a no-confidence motion, the government would initiate a parliamentary debate once the official report is released to ensure transparency.
On European defense and security, particularly in light of shifting U.S. foreign policy priorities, Mitsotakis reiterated his stance that Europe must awaken from the “geopolitical and economic lethargy in which it has unfortunately fallen.”
Ahead of the Antipodes Festival on Lonsdale Street in Melbourne, Victoria this weekend (February 22 – 23), The Greek Herald asked influential Greek Australians to share their favourite memories from the past.
Peter Mousaferiadis, Cultural Infusion CEO
Photo: Steph Elefthiaridis.
The Antipodes Festival has been an integral part of my life as both a performer in events dating all the way back to the Eighties, but also seeing the role it has played in my children’s lives. I was filled with immense pride, not only because my daughter Liz was on stage, but also to see how my children embraced their Greek ancestry. The Antipodes Festival has, in many ways, contributed to my children becoming more Greek than me.
Jenny Mikakos, former health minister and lawyer
My favourite memory of the Antipodes Festival was being in the crowd, watching my hero and Philhellene, Gough Whitlam, give a lengthy and detailed speech about Greek history and its significance to Western civilisation – without a single note.
Peter Stefanidis, President of the Pan Macedonian Associationof Victoria
For me, Antipodes had a golden age of creativity and exploration when Akrites Tou Pontou performed collaborations with Aboriginal, Māori, Armenian, and Assyrian artists (2016–2020)! This is where Antipodes shone brightest. Our culture is so immersive that we are able to showcase examples of cultural fusion, which has always been at the heart of Hellenism and is why it exists to this very day. Antipodes is the only festival that has offered a platform for such moving moments.
Kris Pavlidis, former mayor, community advocate, and consultant
Apart from engaging with prime ministers and heads of state at the Antipodes Festival, I have also enjoyed a few family moments, such as watching my daughter connect with her culture. I am sharing a photo of Zoe amongst an Epiroti and a Maniati. As part Kalamatiani and Pontian, she is well prepared. Another proud moment was watching my son, Christopher, share a duet with Anthea Sidiropoulos and sing “Poso s’agapo.”
Bill Kavellaris, architect
In 1994, my parents ran a souvlaki stand at the Antipodes Festival. My sister, friends, and I worked together, enjoying visits from friends and relatives. The festival united our community, and I cherished every moment of that camaraderie and connection.
What is your favourite Antipodes Festival moment? Share a picture or leave a comment under this article on our social media.
This year’s Antipodes festival is being held on Saturday, February 22 to Sunday, February 23. For more details visit: www.antipodesfestival.com.au
On Sunday, February 16, Cazzie Youth in New South Wales hosted a sell-out event at the Coogee Pavillion Rooftop in Sydney. The event drew a crowd of more than 70 people aged 18-35 and set the tone for a busy year of events planned for 2025.
Against the backdrop of a picturesque Coogee Beach on a warm Sunday evening, attendees mingled and danced as the sun set on a beautiful Sydney summer day. It was the perfect opportunity to catch up with familiar faces and make new friends over a drink at the famed Rooftop.
Cazzie Youth is the youth arm of the Castellorizian Association of NSW, representing the next generation of the Castellorizian community.
Jack and Lavinia Mangos.
In 1960, the Castellorizian ’Younger Set’ was established by the Castellorizian Association of NSW to cater towards a younger generation of Castellorizians, holding various functions and fundraising alongside the then well-established Ladies Auxiliary.
After the Cazzie Club opened its doors on Anzac Parade, Kingsford, in October 1973, it quickly became a landmark institution within Sydney’s Greek community, especially cherished by the younger Australian-born generation. Its iconic Friday night discos, which attracted hundreds of people, are fondly remembered by a generation of loyal attendees and continue to evoke nostalgia among many today.
In 2015, a reimagined Cazzie Youth was established after more than two decades of a Younger Set hiatus, and enjoyed a period of great success and momentum until the pandemic.
With renewed enthusiasm and commitment, Cazzie Youth was once again revitalised in February 2023, reigniting the spirit of community amongst the younger generation. In just two years, Cazzie Youth has hosted multiple sell-out events at venues across Sydney including STEKI Taverna, The Phoenix Woollahra and the Association’s own ‘The Castellorizian’ building in Kingsford which opened in May 2021.
Steki event in April 2024.
These successful events have demonstrated that the emerging generation is more eager than ever to connect with one another and embrace their shared heritage.
Siblings Jack and Lavinia Mangos, proud third-generation Castellorizians and Cazzie Youth committee members, are thrilled by the overwhelming support from the community and are excited about the future of Cazzie Youth.
Get ready, Melbourne! The Antipodes Festival is turning up the heat this year with none other than DJ Timo – a global sensation who knows how to get the crowd moving.
Born in northern Greece and raised in Australia, Dimitrios Timonidis, better known as DJ Timo, has built an electrifying career spinning decks across the world’s hottest party destinations, from Mykonos and Ibiza to Berlin and Melbourne.
As the resident DJ of iconic clubs like Semeli and Toyroom Mykonos, and a hit music producer with chart-topping Greek collaborations, DJ Timo brings an unstoppable energy wherever he plays.
This year, he’s back in Melbourne for a special performance at the Antipodes Festival, where he promises to deliver a high-energy set packed with modern and laïka Greek hits. Whether you’re a die-hard Greek music fan or just love a good party, this is a set you won’t want to miss!
We spoke with DJ Timo ahead of his performance and this is what he had to say.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in a small village of northern Greece, Perdikkas, which was named after the military officer of Alexander the Great. I am blessed to have been brought up by two hard working parents.
I realised at an early age that I wanted to lead a different life than the one I saw around me so I moved to Melbourne for studies and a better prospect.
In Australia, things were completely different. It was not a very easy transition especially at such a young age, but it felt like home so I followed my instinct. I studied journalism and worked with all the major Greek media and at the same time I had my first touch with music in Melbourne.
I had my first big event back in 2001 at “Billboards nightclub,” so that was essentially what showed me what I wanted to pursue in the future.
DJ Timo is world famous.
I have played in many countries around the world including Russia, Germany, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Albania, Spain and many more and after long term residencies in Halkidiki and Santorini, I landed in Mykonos where I am currently the resident DJ of Semeli and Toyroom, two of the best nightclubs on the island. Also, I DJ often in Ibiza which was a dream of mine since day one.
I have produced many Greek songs such as my latest hit “Prin se gnoriso” with Stavento and Josephine and in 2025 I will be announcing many more major collaborations.
You will be at the Antipodes Festival this year. How did this collaboration come about?
Michael Profyris has been a great friend of mine since I arrived in Melbourne back in 1998 and he has played a great part in the Greek community of Melbourne. He is now part of the organisation of the Antipodes festival so he invited me to perform live on stage, since I am here for my holidays and I gladly accepted. I mean, who wouldn’t want to perform at such a great and well respected Greek festival? It’s a great honour to entertain thousands of Greeks with my selection of music.
What can people expect from you on the day?
People can expect a DJ set full of great hits and a lot of energy! I will be mixing a variety of modern and laïka Greek tracks so be ready to dance!
DJ Timo.
Who can enjoy your set on the day?
Anyone who is there to have fun and dance! Music has no age limits and that is the purpose of the DJ, to make the crowd dance and enjoy their day at this fantastic festival. So come on down and I will make sure to share my positive party vibes with you!
Do you have a message for the Greek Australia community, and in particular the youth, ahead of your set?
Keep the Greek spirit and language alive! Our next generations of Greeks are the most important part of continuing our traditions. I have noticed that there is a huge amount of young Greeks who attend the Greek events and that pleases me greatly. We have to make sure that they appreciate and carry on the Greek heritage that has been carried proudly.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
I would like to express my gratitude to the organisers of Antipodes Festival for the invitation as I will not only be performing my DJ set, but I will also be presenting on stage some of our traditional dance groups! So let’s all unite and celebrate the biggest Greek festival.
This year’s Antipodes festival is being held on Saturday, February 22 to Sunday, February 23. For more details visit: www.antipodesfestival.com.au
Soult Australia was showcased at New York Fashion Week 2025 as part of this year’s Flying Solo independent selection and its designer, Nia, was the only young Greek Australian in the lineup.
Following the exciting news, The Greek Herald spoke to Nia about her journey bringing Soult to life.
The brand focuses on ethically handmade pieces that celebrate Mediterranean summers and artisanal craftsmanship. Soult’s latest collection caught international attention, and they were recently recognised by Elle Slovenia following their runway debut.
“Growing up, I was incredibly fortunate to have two creative and deeply supportive parents. I believe this stems from our Greek heritage – a culture built on cherishing one another, uplifting our community, and passing down traditions with love,” Nia explains.
Creativity was always encouraged in Nia’s home and from a young age she was drawn to expressing herself through fashion.
“I’ve always loved dressing up, not just for myself but for everyone around me. As a child, I would style my Barbies, piece together outfits for friends, and experiment with different textures and silhouettes, constantly playing with fashion as a form of storytelling,” she says.
Nia wasn’t afraid to stand out, to wear something bold, or to mix things in an unexpected way. For her, fashion has never been about blending in – it’s always been about creating, about making something feel new and personal. That passion never faded; if anything, it only grew stronger as Nia got older.
“Being Greek is a huge part of who I am, and my yiayiathes and mum have always been my greatest inspiration. They are strong, resilient women who taught me to cherish our culture, our traditions, and the beauty in handmade craftsmanship,” Nia says proudly.
From the intricate detailing of Ancient Greek attire to the elegance of traditional costumes, there is such a rich history in the way Greeks dress and that sense of artistry has always stayed with Nia. This influence is especially present in the crocheting of her designs.
“My yiayiathes would spend hours crocheting, creating pieces with such patience and love. But it was never just about the final product – it was about the process. Crocheting was always accompanied by storytelling, by laughter, by moments of connection. Every stitch carried history; every piece held a part of them. That’s what makes handmade fashion so special – it’s more than just clothing; it’s a piece of someone’s creativity, their life, their legacy!” Nia says.
She explains that Soult is her 5-to-9, not her 9-to-5. To her, Soult is more than just a brand; it’s a way of sharing her story and passion with the world.
“Fashion, to me, has never been about following trends – it’s about self-expression, about making something unique, something that feels like me,” she says.
Nia’s mother is a painter and that artistic energy has always surrounded her. This influence, combined with her own boldness, has shaped the way she designs.
“I don’t create with the idea of fitting in; I create to bring something new to life, to tell a story through fabric, form, and feeling. For me, fashion isn’t just about what you wear – it’s about how it makes you feel, the confidence it gives you, and the way it allows you to own your individuality,” Nia says.
She finds inspiration everywhere – from the effortless elegance of Chloé to the bold creativity of Mary Katrantzou and the timeless allure of Jean Paul Gaultier’s vintage couture. Texture, simplicity, and layering are at the heart of her designs, creating pieces that feel both effortless and considered.
Soult is built on love, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to summers in Greece. It’s more than just clothing – it’s a feeling, a nostalgia for sun-drenched days and balmy evenings by the sea.
“My greatest inspiration has always been the women of Greece, effortlessly stylish as they head to their local beaches – one throw-over dress, a bag, a towel, and sun-kissed skin. Their understated elegance, confidence, and natural beauty have always stood out to me as the epitome of classic style,” Nia reflects.
Each piece is designed to be worn with ease, layered or alone, carrying the essence of sunlit escapes and timeless femininity.
“It’s about feeling free, confident, and connected – to yourself, to the moment, and to the beauty around you!” Nia concludes.
Renowned Melbourne restaurateur Chris Lucas is set to expand his dining empire, having acquired the entire ground floor of No. 1 Chifley Square in Sydney for his acclaimed Grill Americano.
The restaurant, known for its blend of Italian and American grillhouse influences, will open in September 2025.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina T-Bone. Photo: Pete Dillon.
Lucas sees the mid-century building on the corner of Elizabeth and Hunter streets as a prime location in the heart of the city, especially with the new Martin Place metro station entrance nearby.
“I have always been passionate about the role restaurants take in shaping the culture, nightlife and future of our cities. I am excited to bring Grill Americano to such an iconic location in the Sydney CBD.” Lucas said.
The restaurateur aims to offer a fresh take on the steakhouse genre, with the new venue featuring an expanded pasta menu, an oyster and crustacea bar, and a 7000-8000 bottle wine program.
(L-R) Chris Lucas, Samantha Eades and Sarah Lucas. Photo: Alexandra Drewniak.
Lucas’ wife and design collaborator, Sarah Lucas, will lead the interior design bringing her elegant, global aesthetic to the project. Together with Chris, she will collaborate with acclaimed Creative Director, Samantha Eades of Mitchell & Eades.
This restaurant opening marks another major expansion for the Greek Australian, who previously brought Chin Chin to Sydney and recently launched Carlotta in Canberra.
The Coral winter storm arrived in Greece on Wednesday, February 19, bringing a wave of cold weather and snowfall across the country.
According to Ekathimerini, snowfall has already been recorded in Attica, leading to the suspension of traffic on Parnitha Avenue in both directions from the cable car station onwards.
Meanwhile, mountainous areas of Evia, particularly villages in the Kymi-Aliveri Municipality, have been covered in snow.
Machines have been deployed to ensure roads remain accessible. Photo: Newsbomb.
According to local news outlet evima.gr, regional authorities in Central Greece have deployed heavy machinery to ensure roads remain accessible.
Additionally, schools in several parts of Evia will remain closed in the coming days due to the severe weather conditions.
A 46-year-old patient at a state psychiatric hospital in western Athens, Greece, reportedly killed a 44-year-old female patient early Wednesday morning before escaping the facility.
According to Ekathimerini, authorities launched a 14-hour search before locating and re-admitting him to the Dafni psychiatric hospital.
Photo: The National Herald.
The suspect, accused of murdering another woman at a psychiatric ward in Corfu last November, allegedly stabbed the victim with broken glass following an argument. The attack has sparked renewed scrutiny of the system handling violent psychiatric patients.
Police initially searched the extensive hospital grounds before finding the suspect on a highway west of Athens.
The victim had been admitted to the psychiatric hospital the previous evening allegedly due to drug dependency.
