Family ties to Kalavryta Massacre behind Peter Poulos’ role in ban of Nazi symbols in NSW

·

The Kalavryta Massacre is forever embedded in the minds of Greek people across the world as one of the darkest moments in modern Greek history.

The massacre saw the near-extermination of the male population and the total destruction of the Greek town of Kalavryta by the Nazi forces during World War Two on December 13, 1943.

Almost 80 years later, this event played an influential role in the decision of Greek Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Wollongong and the Illawarra, Peter Poulos MLC, to take a lead role in the NSW Government’s push to ban the public display of Nazi symbols without a reasonable excuse across the state.

Speaking before the NSW Legislative Council earlier this month, Mr Poulos detailed how his dad witnessed “some of the most reprehensible acts on display by the Nazi regime” at Kalavryta during WWII.

Women and children from Kalavryta.

“There were a number of villages in close proximity to that town [Kalavryta]. My dad as a little boy witnessed Nazi soldiers entering the village looking for males to round up. In his set of circumstances, they were unsuccessful,” Mr Poulos explained.

“To be able to reflect on the meaning of the symbol, to know someone so close to me personally who recognised what it signified and to identify that in a town nearby occurred one of the worst episodes within occupied Greece of the extermination of practically an entire male population, is noted but not forgotten.”

Mr Poulos also touched on the “strong historic links” between Greece and the Jewish community, and their unjust treatment at the hands of the Nazi regime.

“That community has basically been eradicated from Greece as a result of the most reprehensible course in human history,” he said.

NSW has made it a criminal offence to knowingly display a Nazi symbol in public without a reasonable excuse.

“I pass on my strong sympathies to the Jewish community, who experienced that first-hand or through the relayed experiences of those who are no longer with us.”

Ultimately, in a historic moment for NSW, a new law making it a criminal offence to knowingly display a Nazi symbol in public without a reasonable excuse passed Parliament on August 11.

At the time, the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure, said the passing of the Bill was a victory for the rich multicultural society of the state.

“This Bill shows that our Government stands against the Nazi symbol and the hateful ideology it represents,” Mr Coure said.

The new offence in the Crimes Act 1900 will carry a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment or a $11,000 fine or both for an individual; or a fine of $55,000 for a corporation.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Hellenic spirit shines at the opening of the Odyssey Greek Festival 2025

The opening night of the 2025 Odyssey Greek Festival was a vibrant celebration of culture, memory, and community

Areti Ketime brings the spirit of rebetiko to Melbourne for the Zeibekiko Festival

The Zeibekiko Festival has returned for its third year this month with a lively Rebetika performance in Melbourne by singer Areti Ketime. 

Literary memorial in Sydney honours the legacy of esteemed scholar Dr George Kanarakis

A literary memorial in honour of Greek academic and internationally renowned linguist of Australia, Dr George Kanarakis, was held on Tuesday.

Memorial service to be held in Sydney to honour the life of Chris Felemegas

A memorial service will be held in Sydney on Sunday, October 12, to honour the life of Chris Felemegas, a figure remembered for his warmth.

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos meets Archbishop Makarios in Sydney

Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Hellenism Abroad, Ioannis Loverdos, met with Archbishop Makarios of Australia on Tuesday.

You May Also Like

Angela Antartis jailed for vicious hostage assault in South Australia

Angela Antartis has been jailed for over six years after a violent, drug-fuelled assault on a man during a hostage ordeal in Kilkenny.

Ekmek Kataifi: Niki Louca shares her favourite recipe

Ekmek kataifi is one of those desserts that can be enjoyed all year round. It’s easy to make, but you need a few hours to allow the custard to set.

Things you missed during tough day for some of Team Hellas at Olympics

Despite some victories for Team Hellas in men's water polo, it was a tough day for others in basketball and tennis at the Paris Olympics.