ATHENS, Jan. 15 (JTA) — Islamic extremist groups reportedly have threatened to bomb the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens if security is assigned to a consortium that includes Israeli companies. In addition, Arab nations are threatening to boycott the Olympics if the SAIC Team gets the security contract for the Games, according to the Greek newspaper Avriani. According to Avriani, a classified report from Greece’s government security service mentions that the possibility of using a “Jewish company” for security at the Games “will blow the Olympics into the air.” The so-called “Jewish company” — the SAIC Team — actually is a U.S. consortium that includes two Israeli companies and several Greek companies. The report says that some SAIC Team employees come from the Israeli secret services. The report also notes the possibility of attacks before the Games, as Muslim groups reportedly have threatened a bombing blitz if a Jewish company receives the Olympic security contract. Greece also is reportedly concerned that one of the Israeli companies on the team has signed a cooperation agreement with Turkey, Greece’s longtime rival. Greece’s Ministry of National Defense noted that national security could be compromised if the Israeli company gains access to classified information. For this reason, the Israeli company’s insignia has been dropped from a recent SAIC Team advertising campaign.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
