Hundreds of Greek Americans gathered in Astoria neighborhood in New York City to show support to Greece amid a new migrant surge.
“Let’s all together, send a strong message to our fellow Greeks that are protecting the borders, that we are here in full solidarity,” said organizer Eleni Tsamblakos, while addressing the demonstrators.
Tsamblakos added that “Greece’s borders are Europe’s borders,” and called on Europe to “share the weight.”
The Awareness Rally was organized by the North Aegean Relief Alliance, which includes Chios, Lesvos and Samos. In a statement, organizers said that they want the EU to spread the migrants throughout Europe not only the Aegean islands. “This is simply inhumane for the natives and the migrants,” the statement underlined.
“The EU cannot throw this burden on Greece. We are a country just emerging from a severe financial crisis. They need to share in the burden,” organizers stressed.
Nicole Malliotakis, NY State Assembly member for Brooklyn / Staten Island, Candidate for Congress and World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (W.H.I.A.) member, spoke at the rally and said “she was proud to stand with New York’s Greek community in support of Greece. Just like the USA, Greece has the right to secure its borders,” she added.
Source: usa.greekreporter.com