TikToker @ambamelia has sparked controversy after posting a video depicting her removing Greek flags from outside restaurant Efi’s Gyro in New Jersey, USA, mistaking them for Israeli flags.
In the video, she filmed herself pulling down the Greek flag bunting while chanting “Free Palestine!”
As she notices a worker inside the restaurant watching her, she shouts, “What you looking at? You know damn well there’s a genocide!”
In the following moments, she films herself taking down the bunting and other decorations it was attached to, muttering repeatedly, “I don’t stand for it.” When confronted by a staff member, she insists, “I don’t stand for it. I don’t stand for Zionism. There’s a genocide.”
“They are killing children,” she tells the clearly confused workers. “You understand, right? It’s nothing against people who are Jewish. But this,” she says while shaking the Greek flags, “Is not ok.”
“What?!” she exclaims. “Really? I thought it was Israel.” She then adds, “Oh s**t. My bad,” before attempting to return the flags.
“Look, it looks like Israel. You want it back?” she asks, prompting one of the workers to scold her, explaining that it’s really not acceptable to tear down their flags.
Gyros restaurant owner Efi Mihalis confirmed that the bizarre attack posted online was real. However, she clarified that the incident occurred on March 11, leaving many puzzled about why it was only shared now. Mihalis reported the attack to the police at the time.
“It was not a skit as some people believe,” she stated, addressing speculation that the incident seemed too absurd to be genuine.
“This was not planned nor was it calculated in any way,” she emphasised, noting that everyone present was “taken aback” by what unfolded.
“The young woman destroyed my property,” she added, expressing her frustration over the event.
The annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made its return in Brooklyn, New York after being axed in 2019 due to various controversies.
Forging history, model Anthi Fakidari became the first Greek beauty to grace the Victoria’s Secret runway.
Athenian born Fakidari, 21, stumbled into the fashion industry quite unexpectedly. Her journey began when her father, a cameraman for Alpha TV, brought her to the set one day. It was there that she was first noticed and encouraged to consider a career in modelling, marking the start of her promising future in fashion.
Fakidari took to social media to express her joy, stating, “What an unforgettable night! Walking the Victoria’s Secret runway felt like a dream, one I’ve had since I was a little girl.”
With a heartfelt nod, she added, “Baby Anthi, I made you proud.”
Photo: Taylor Hill / WireImage.
As the angels donned their wings once more, Greek Australian guitar legend Orianthi provided the soundtrack for iconic supermodel Kate Moss among many others.
Strumming her guitar on the runway, she captivated the audience with renditions of the classic I Love Rock N’ Roll by the Arrows and Joan Jett, along with Lenny Kravitz’s Are You Gonna Go My Way.
Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders convened in New York for informal discussions facilitated by United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday, October 15. The leaders agreed to reconvene soon to explore “the way forward” in the stalled reunification talks.
Cyprus has been divided since a Turkish invasion decades ago, which followed a brief coup inspired by Greece, amidst years of intermittent violence between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Reunification negotiations broke down in mid-2017 and have remained deadlocked since.
Secretary-General @antonioguterres hosted an informal dinner today with the leader of the Greek Cypriot community, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Mr. Ersin Tatar. More: https://t.co/LRsWQXBTJP
During a dinner, Guterres urged Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar “to consider how to bridge the gap in their positions and rebuild trust to allow movement leading to a settlement,” according to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
Dujarric added, “The leaders agreed to have an informal meeting in a broader format in the near future, under the auspices of the Secretary-General, to discuss the way forward.” They also expressed intentions to meet in Cyprus to investigate the possibility of opening new crossings.
The Turkish Cypriot breakaway state in northern Cyprus, recognised only by Turkey, seeks a two-state agreement that acknowledges its sovereignty, while Greek Cypriots advocate for a reunification that would establish a federal structure.
Eager film lovers came together on Tuesday, October 15 to enjoy the highly anticipated comedy Hear Who’s Talking at the opening night of this year’s 29th Greek Film Festival in Sydney.
Running from 15th to 27th October, the festival is hosted by the Greek Festival of Sydney and the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), and presented by Metaxa. The Greek Herald is a proud national media partner.
In what has become an annual landmark in Sydney’s Greek community cultural calendar, Palace Cinemas Norton Street was filled with festivalgoers who soaked up the vibrant opening night atmosphere and took photographs in front of a media wall.
Official guests in front of the media wall. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Hear Who’s Talking, directed by Thodoris Niarchos and starring Meletis Ilias, set the perfect tone for the festival. Niarchos’ signature comedic style had the audience in stitches while also delivering a thoughtful message that resonated deeply with the audience.
Before the screening, Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney, warmly welcomed the audience. She extended her gratitude to the Greek community and the wider public, as well as the festival’s sponsors and the organising committee, led by Events Coordinator, Chryssa Karagiannidou.
Nia Karteris.
Ms Karteris also shared an exciting development for this year’s Film Festival, explaining how it will be housed in two homes as it screens its full program of feature films at its standard home of Palace Cinemas Norton Street, as well as the new location of Palace Cinemas Moore Park.
Harry Danalis, President of the GOCNSW, also addressed attendees and expressed pride in how this year’s Film Festival will hold the Australian premiere of Eva Nathena’s Murderess which is based on Alexandros Papadiamantis’ novel of the same name.
The Greek Film Festival opening night was enjoyed by all.
The Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, took the podium to commend the organisers for curating a diverse programme that promotes Greek contemporary culture and values, as well as the next generation through the upcoming 12th Student Greek Film Festival. He also touched on how the GOCNSW recently met with Greece’s Deputy Culture Minister Iason Fotilas and discussed future cooperation between the Greek government and the Film Festival.
Harry Danalis.Consul General Ioannis Mallikourtis.Mark Hickey.
The last speaker was National Ambassador, Manager for Spirits Platform at Metaxa, Mark Hickey. Mr Hickey spoke of the history of Metaxa since 1888. He also expressed pride in Metaxa’s partnership with the festival and said they look forward to a great future together.
Attendees received festival tote bags filled with sponsor goodies and gifts before sitting down to enjoy the highly regarded comedy. James Stevens from Mr Roses was also gifted a special Metaxa bottle in recognition of his support for the festival.
A growing power struggle within the Cyprus Community of New South Wales (The Cyprus Club) has exposed deep factional divisions, including among directors of Cyprus Capital Limited. This conflict escalated after Cyprus Capital’s unexpected appointment of receivers on October 14, 2024. The move comes despite Ernst & Young (EY), the voluntary administrators, stating the club was not insolvent, raising questions about the motives behind the receivership.
EY announced to members on October 15 that Neil Cussen and Michael Billingsley from Olvera Advisors have been appointed as Receivers and Managers of the Cyprus Community of NSW by Cyprus Capital Limited, one of the club’s major creditors. This decision transfers control of the community’s key assets, including the Cyprus Club and surrounding properties, to the Receivers, who are solely tasked with securing repayment of the community’s debts.
This follows earlier turmoil surrounding the charge over the entire site by Cyprus Capital, leading to a struggle for control and has resulted in a deadlock.
This impasse stems from two injunctions brought by Dorothy Bassil, a director of Cyprus Capital, which “restrained” members from voting on resolutions in the Notice of General Meeting scheduled for August 25 this year regarding the sale of the Stanmore property. These actions necessitated the involvement of external administrators to help resolve governance and financial issues within the Cyprus Club.
A meeting between the Receivers and Administrators is scheduled this week to discuss the future course of action, including plans for the ongoing operation of the Cyprus Club. The Administrators will remain involved but will have limited control over the community’s assets while the Receivers are now under the control of the Club’s operation and trading, and dealing with the Club’s premises, adjoining terraces and land.
A growing power struggle within the Cyprus Community of NSW (The Cyprus Club) has exposed deep factional division.
Members have expressed concerns to The Greek Herald questioning the motives of Cyprus Capital’s directors regarding the appointment of a receiver, including potential intentions to take control of the Club and the possible sale of its assets, including surrounding properties. Shareholders also noted they were not informed of the decision to appoint receivers and fear that selling “non-core property” could reduce the site’s overall value. Although EY has said the community’s key operations such as the language school, dance classes, taverna, and kafeneio (café) will continue, the Community remains anxious about its future.
In a statement issued by Cyprus Capital, it explains that the appointment of a receiver is intended to safeguard shareholder interests following the earlier decision to appoint voluntary administrators. Cyprus Capital said it intends to work with the administrators to develop strategies that protect the club’s assets, “whilst managing the ongoing business operations of the Cyprus Community of NSW including, maintaining programs and working to maximise income.”
Members of the Cyprus Community have been informed of these developments, with updates expected following further discussions.
The Greek Herald will continue to provide coverage of this developing situation.
*The Greek Herald has contacted Cyprus Capital director Dorothy Bassil for comment. At the time of publication, there was no response.
Elizabeth (Beth) Spanos has been named a 2024 Westfield Local Hero for Penrith in Sydney, New South Wales. Beth has been recognised for her service in providing nutritious meals to those in need through her volunteer work at Penrith Community Kitchen.
Westfield has awarded a community grant of $20,000 to help Beth at Penrith Community Kitchen to continue to grow their impact in the local community. Beyond simply offering food, the kitchen fosters community and combats social isolation.
“In the 25+ years we’ve operated, we’ve learnt that it’s not always hunger that drives people to us,” Beth explains. “It can also be loneliness, a lack of skill, or an inability to shop due to poor health or mobility.”
With Beth‘s support, the kitchen has recently expanded to collaborate with 12 local schools, providing pantry food and frozen meals for students to take home to family members.
Beth’s empathy and dedication stem from her own childhood experiences of community support following her mother’s passing. This personal history drives her to give back and support others in need.
“My belief is that if you can avoid going hungry, your outlook can change. And if you have someone who will listen to and care for you, even if it’s only briefly, you can feel safe. And that’s how the world can become a little brighter,” Beth says.
Under her guidance, Penrith Community Kitchen serves 500 people weekly and impacts many more by addressing hunger and fostering a supportive community environment.
Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities. The finalist with the most community votes is the Westfield Penrith Local Hero for 2024, receiving a $20,000 grant for the organisation they represent. Penrith Community Kitchen will use the grant to provide food to 12 local schools, ensuring no child goes hungry.
The 29th Greek Film Festival kicked off at the Astor Theatre on Tuesday, October 15 with a vibrant atmosphere, despite the absence of several prominent Melbourne figures. The premiere of Thodoros Niarchos’ romantic comedy Hear Who’s Talking clashed with Governor Margaret Gardner’s reception for His-All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, leading to a noticeable lack of VIPs in the downstairs seating area.
However, the upstairs balcony was packed with hundreds of enthusiastic filmgoers, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. Maria Kakmi and Maria Afentoulidis, who have been attending the festival for years, expressed their love for the event.
“We always come on opening night. It’s our tradition,” Ms Kakmi said. “We come together and have a fantastic time.”
Maria Kakmi and Maria Afentoulidis come to the Greek Film Festival every year regardless of what is playing.
Maria Bakalidou and Pam Pollalis.
Lights, cameras, action… let the 29th Greek Film Festival Begin.
Leonidas Vlahakis officially declares the Greek Film Festival open.
Leonidas Vlahakis turns his back to the audience to take his annual film festival selfie.
“We are so glad that everyone left with a smile on their dial!” he said. “The next two weeks are going to be a rollercoaster ride of emotions and we welcome everybody to come along and enjoy the show!”
While Greek Consul General to Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis. was unable to attend, consulate staff member Dimitrios Tsilikis represented him. Mr Tsilikis emphasised the importance of celebrating Greek cinema and the deep connections that unite the Greek community worldwide.
“Today, we not only celebrate the rich tapestry of Greek cinema but also honour the deep roots that connect us regardless of whether we are in the world,” Mr Tsilikis said.
Photo: Constantly Flashing – Peter Kakalias.
Beyond the films, the festival offered a tantalising culinary journey for the taste buds. Helena Alatsas from Bahari showcased her new ready-made meal delivery service, Phlavour, which offers “spitisia” (home-made) dishes.
“We’ve sponsored the festival for years, but this time we wanted to present our newest product of home-cooked meals for busy families, working mothers, and we even offer high-protein training meals for Richmond Football Club,” she said.
Procal Yoghurt also made its presence felt, offering samples of their delicious product. Shareholder Eleanor Thyssen, the family’s daughter-in-law, gave out samples of yoghurt.
Procal Sales Manager Eve Vafiadis said, “Eleanor’s late husband developed this yoghurt that he wanted to taste of trips to Greece with his dad. It takes you back to your roots, as do films.”
Betty Dimitropoulos and Denise Zapantis, a staple at Melbourne’s Greek-Australian events!
Daphne and Christina.
Helena Alatsas and her team offering home-made delicacies.
While some cinema goers will feel nostalgia as they travel to Greece through films, there’s a lot to offer younger cinema goers also. Maria Bakalidou, principal of the Greek Orthodox Community Schools of Melbourne and Victoria, expressed her enthusiasm for the 12th Greek Student Film Festival, which will take place at the Como on October 27th. She encouraged students to participate and explore the Greek language through filmmaking.
“I’m a passionate supporter of the students’ film festival because it allows children to be creative and explore the language in a fun way,” she said. “During this time of the year we see students happy to come to school, to have a good time and enjoy a positive experience.”
A standout moment of the night was the giveaway of a return flight to Greece, generously offered by Scoot.
The film festival runs through to October 27th at Palace Cinemas, featuring 20 features, 8 documentaries, and captivating trailers from local businesses – including a journey through the diaspora’s history through the archives of The Greek Herald, the only Greek national daily in Australia.
For more information and to book tickets, please visit the official website of the Greek Film Festival.
Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, hosted a special reception on Tuesday, October 15 to welcome His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Melbourne.
Earlier in the day, the Governor met with His All Holiness and His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia during an official call at Government House.
The official reception at night was attended by prominent figures, including His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia; Stavros Venizelos, Ambassador of Greece to Australia; Emmanuel Kakavelakis, Consul General of Greece in Melbourne; Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan; The Most Reverend Dr Philip Freier, Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne; The Most Reverend Peter Comensoli, Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne; and various Members of the Victorian Parliament and local Greek and Orthodox communities.
In her address on the night, Governor Gardner emphasised the enduring identity of the Greek Victorian community, noting the crucial role of the Greek Orthodox Church in maintaining this identity.
“We can be grateful for the strong sense of identity the Greek Victorian community has maintained – an identity in which the Greek Orthodox Church plays a significant role,” she stated.
Photo: Jim Claven OAM.
“For generations, the faith of Victoria’s Greek community has maintained its strength over distance and across time.”
Following the Governor’s remarks, the Victorian Premier also addressed attendees, before His All-Holiness highlighted the significance of the occasion.
In her speech, the Victorian Premier spoke about the centenary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA), and spoke of the importance of His All-Holiness’ visit as it sends a message of peace.
The event highlighted the strong ties between the Greek community and the broader Victorian society, celebrating their shared heritage and ongoing contributions to the cultural fabric of the state.
The Ecumenical Patriarch’s presence will now be permanently celebrated within the heart of the Holy Diocese of Chora.
During the unveiling ceremony on Tuesday, October 15, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia articulated the vision behind the statue. He expressed the desire for a lasting reference point to commemorate His All-Holiness’ historic visit, emphasising that it would serve as a symbol for both current and future generations.
“We wish to remind everyone that the Patriarch of the Nation visited our land and blessed the people of our Archdiocese,” the Archbishop said.
The statue depicts the Ecumenical Patriarch seated with his hands resting gently on his knees, holding a book inscribed in Greek and English with the words “The Constitution of the Church.”
The unveiling ceremony was attended by the host, His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, along with Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos; Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki; members of the Patriarchal entourage; Metropolitans Ezekiel of Dervis and Seraphim of Sebastia, Bishops of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia; the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos; the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis; the Consuls General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, and in Adelaide, Alexandra Theodoropoulou; and Greek Australian Federal Member of Parliament, Maria Vamvakinou.
More than 1.5 million Australians are living with diabetes. Around 1.3 million Australians have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) – the most common form of diabetes.
Diabetes is a condition of chronically elevated blood glucose (sugar) levels caused by a deficiency of the hormone insulin, produced in the pancreas or resistance to the physiological actions of insulin.
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) gives people living with diabetes more accurate and frequent data about their glucose levels without needing to do regular finger prick checks.
In 2022, the Australian Government delivered an election commitment to give all 130,000 Australians with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) access to subsidised CGMs under the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS).
But Diabetes Australia and its member organisations are calling for the Albanese Government to extend and subsidise CGMs for Australians with T2D and other types of diabetes.
Their campaign stems from the Federal Government’s recent report into the state of diabetes in Australia – The State of Diabetes Mellitus in Australia in 2024.Recommendation 15 from the report stated that the Committee called for subsidised access to CGMs be further expanded.
Although people living with T2D have the same insulin requirements as a person living with T1D, they are not able to access subsidy for products such as CGMs.
Diabetes Australia, “Change the Future: Reducing the Impact of the Diabetes Epidemic,” 2022.
Leading the way for change
Diabetes Australia is leading the Unite for Techcampaign, with member organisations to help Australians living with all types of diabetes to have access to the technology they need to live well.
They say expanding subsided access to CGMs would help people manage their diabetes more effectively and reduce the impact of diabetes-related complications on Australia’s health system.
Long-term management of blood glucose levels is critical to reduce the risk of complications including amputations, vision loss, stroke, and heart and kidney failure.
Diabetes Australia Group Chief Executive Officer Justine Cain said the campaign includes supporting people living with TD2 who are most at risk, to access ‘affordable and life-changing’ CGMs.
“Diabetes Australia is calling on the Federal Government to invest $200 million over four years in increased subsidies for CGMs and insulin pumps,” Ms Cain said.
“Investing in diabetes technologies is proven to improve health and economic outcomes.
“Research shows that these devices are game-changing in terms of managing blood glucose levels, which ultimately reduces the risk of diabetes complications and hospitalisations and improves quality of life.”
Australian Diabetes Society is affiliated with Diabetes Australia and Chief Executive Officer, Associate Professor Sofianos Andrikopoulos said he is optimistic the findings of the report will be implemented by the Federal Government.
“We are working with other key stakeholders to ensure that the [Federal] Government delivers on these recommendations,” he said.
“People with T2D feel discriminated against and strongly feel that they should have the choice of accessing CGMs if they choose to.”
Living with T2D – a case study
The advanced technology of a CGM device means people living with diabetes can check glucose levels throughout the day and night without pricking a finger.
The CGM is giving Mary Kotsopoulos, 65, from Melbourne, a good night’s sleep. Until she purchased the cheapest CGM (Freestyle Libre 2), she was ‘terrified’ of going to sleep at night.
“I was so scared to go to sleep at night because my sugar levels would drop to levels that you can go into a coma, and you don’t know when you are asleep that it’s happening,” Mary told The Greek Herald.
Mary is paying $200 a month for her CGM – a sensor worn on the upper arm for two weeks at a time for 24 hours a day. She said people living with T2D should have access to the CGM in the same way people with T1D can, to make it an ‘equal playing field.’
“They’re allowed to gain access to the Libre sensor monitor quite inexpensively compared to people like me and I haven’t got anything different to them in terms of what I must deal with because I have to give myself insulin every day and I am also on diabetic tablets – everything a Type 1 diabetic has,” she said.
What the Health Minister said
A spokesperson for the Health Minister, the Hon Mark Butler MP, said the Government welcomes the report of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport inquiry into diabetes in Australia.
“This report shines a light on a serious public health issue affecting every community in Australia,” the spokesperson said.
“The Government will carefully consider the report.”
