C
yprus's leftist leader Stefanos Stefanou has sparked a heated debate with his claims that Israeli real estate purchases pose a serious national threat. Speaking at AKEL's congress, Cyprus's second-largest party, Stefanou warned that if action isn't taken, the country could lose its sovereignty. He alleged that Israelis are buying land near critical infrastructure and sensitive areas as part of a broader strategy to create closed communities and exert influence over key sectors.
Stefanou denied his remarks were motivated by antisemitism or xenophobia, but rather by concerns for national sovereignty. However, his comments have been widely condemned by politicians from centrist parties and journalists. Israeli Ambassador Oren Anolik responded sharply, saying that Stefanou's rhetoric echoed dark patterns from the past, including collective blame and conspiracy theories.
Anolik emphasized that Cyprus recognizes the rights of foreigners to invest and live freely, as long as they respect the law. He stressed that the country's relationship with Israel is rooted in shared democratic values, mutual respect, and expanding people-to-people ties. The ambassador urged all responsible actors in public life to reject antisemitism, fearmongering, and collective demonization.
Meanwhile, an antisemitic campaign has been circulating on social media platforms, featuring videos that claim Israelis are buying up land in Cyprus due to a supposed promise from God. These claims echo online discourse claiming Israelis are pricing out locals. Official figures estimate around 2,500 Israelis reside in Cyprus, but unofficial estimates place the real number at 12,000 to 15,000.
The backlash against Stefanou's comments has sparked concerns about antisemitism on the island ahead of parliamentary elections in June. AKEL supporters have distorted Anolik's response, portraying it as an attack on the party's stance toward Gaza. The ambassador later clarified that his condemnation referred specifically to Stefanou's rhetoric, not to positions on Gaza.
