The attacks against Israeli citizens abroad are a growing phenomenon that must not be ignored. Decisive action is required toward the authorities in foreign countries in order to bring those responsible to justice. In an era of surveillance cameras and videos on social media, this is not an impossible task.
Recently, we have witnessed an increasing number of incidents involving various forms of harm to Israelis in Greece, which is a tourism destination popular among Israelis due to its offerings, proximity to Israel, affordable prices, and, until recently, sense of security.
Easter 1847 mob
It may be appropriate to reflect on the mid-19th-century case of Don Pacifico, which serves as an example in which the mistreatment of a Jewish subject in Greece was something to be tolerated or ignored by the country of his citizenship.
Don Pacifico, a wealthy Jewish merchant, was a British subject by birth in Gibraltar who also held Portuguese citizenship, having previously served as Portugal’s consul in Greece.
On the eve of Easter in 1847, a Greek mob – angered by a government ban on the traditional burning of an effigy of Judas Iscariot – stormed Pacifico’s home, looted its contents, and set it on fire.
The mob, which included young members of the Greek aristocracy, assaulted Pacifico’s wife, daughters, and son-in-law, who were saved thanks to the intervention of neighbors. The Greek police, although summoned, stood by and only intervened hours later.
Pacifico submitted a detailed claim for compensation to the Greek authorities and turned to Sir Edmund Lyons, the British representative in Athens, for assistance. When the Greek government delayed payment, claiming that Pacifico had exaggerated the amount, British Foreign Secretary Lord Palmerston personally took up the matter.
Eventually, after heavy pressure – including a British naval blockade of the Port of Piraeus, despite protests from Russia and France – the Greek government agreed to pay significant compensation.
Palmerston’s unequivocal stand by Pacifico and his willingness to take far-reaching measures drew criticism both in Britain and abroad. While he had the support of the majority in the House of Commons, he faced opposition in the House of Lords. Queen Victoria also expressed displeasure, partly because she had not been adequately consulted.
'The strong arm of England'
Palmerston remained resolute. He rejected claims that Pacifico’s Jewish identity, Portuguese citizenship, or residence outside Britain altered the nation’s obligation to protect its subjects wherever they may be. His speech in the House of Commons on June 25, 1850, in which he explained his actions, is considered one of the most famous and powerful speeches ever delivered in the British Parliament.
Especially memorable is his declaration:
“And whether as the Roman in days of old held himself free from indignity when he could say ‘Civis Romanus sum’ (‘I am a Roman citizen’), so also a British subject in whatever land he may be, shall feel confident that the watchful eye and the strong arm of England will protect him against injustice and wrong.”
The Don Pacifico affair took place in a different era – in the age of “gunboat diplomacy.” Nonetheless, the case remains etched in historical memory as an example of a state’s commitment to its citizens abroad and the host country’s responsibility when those citizens are harmed.
In our time, there is no longer a place for such forms of diplomacy – and in the current cases, there is no need for it either.
However, determined action is required toward the relevant governments to uphold the dignity and safety of Israeli citizens within their borders, and bring to justice those involved in harming them – for the sake of justice, and as a deterrent.
The writer is a retired Israeli ambassador.