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Both the Interior Minister and the Deputy Government Spokesperson, addressing Israel’s directive transmitted through the government, made no attempt to explain the unjustifiable, seeking only to end the discussion through their interventions. They characterised the reactions as excessive and suggested the wording of the letter sent to municipalities could have been different—a comment that perhaps implies some understanding of the issue’s substance. However, there was no acknowledgement of error or apology.
The problem is not the wording. The Interior Ministry did not send municipalities and community authorities routine instructions to clean walls of slogans, obscenities and graffiti at regular intervals. The letter was written at the direction of an Israeli minister regarding specific actions and phrases.
The letter from the Interior Ministry’s Director-General’s office bore the title: “Electronic message from Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Minister to the Ministers of Interior and Justice and Public Order dated 11.08.2025 regarding ‘Strengthening actions to combat anti-Semitism and incitement to hatred in Cyprus'”. Signed by a civil servant, it stated: “I have instructions to transmit to you an electronic message from Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs, sent via the President of the Republic’s Diplomatic Office, concerning the above matter, and to convey the Minister’s instructions for immediate removal of any such slogans in municipalities and communities”.
The Israeli minister’s letter—with photographs of slogans and images that bothered him—reached two ministries and the presidential office, yet none considered responding to the foreign minister, indicating, diplomatically, that this country also has its own government. The President’s diplomatic office deemed it necessary for the state to apologise and rein in its citizens, whilst the Interior Minister agreed and requested mayors and community leaders address the matter (it wasn’t made known, but the Justice Minister simultaneously sent a letter to police requesting that it take action).
The Republic of Cyprus is an independent state. It ceased being a colony long ago after great sacrifices. Israel stands accused by international bodies of genocide. Cyprus’s citizens have the right to express solidarity with a people subjected to such barbarity. This does not constitute incitement to hatred. Tomorrow, Israel might demand the prohibition of events. It might seek prosecution of those expressing views on social media or even columnists.
To end this discussion, Mr Interior Minister, you simply needed to acknowledge the mistake.
This article was originally published on 23.09.2025
