On June 17, 2025, Dimitra Kasdagli, Executive Director of the American Hellenic Council (AHC), and AHC board member Konstantine Kabilafkas attended a fundraiser in Orange County, CA, for Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Congressman Brian Mast (R-FL), Chairman of the Committee.
Chairman Mast, a decorated U.S. Army veteran who lost both legs in action in Afghanistan, has also served with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a volunteer in 2015. Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, he notably wore his IDF uniform in Congress—a symbolic act underscoring his firm support for Israel. Given this background, the Israeli dimension of regional security played an effective role in the evening’s conversations.
Throughout the evening, we had the opportunity to engage directly with both Members of Congress, share materials, and raise key concerns related to U.S. foreign policy and regional stability. One of the few questions taken during the public Q&A was ours, and we emphasized that many within the Greek-American community in Los Angeles are politically active and financially supportive of these efforts.
Our discussion focused on Turkey’s increasing disregard for international law, including violations of Greece’s Continental Shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the ongoing occupation of Cyprus, the continued threat of casus belli, and Turkey’s evolving alignment with authoritarian regimes like Iran, Russia, and China. We also highlighted Ankara’s recent hostile rhetoric against Israel, its support for Iran, and internal developments indicating a turn toward Islamic fundamentalism.
Our main policy request was that the United States not approve any modern weapons sales to Turkey, particularly the F-35 fighter jets—a position previously echoed by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to President Trump.
Chairman Mast responded by acknowledging Turkey’s strategic location but emphasized that its NATO membership would not influence his decision on arms sales. He was unequivocal, stating:
“I am in no hurry to sign off on any weapons sales to Turkey, especially the F-35s—at least for now.”
He then spoke for nearly two minutes about his concerns regarding Turkey’s deepening ties with Russia, China, and Iran, and the potential transformation of Turkey into an Islamic Republic. “Turkey is under constant scrutiny”, he said.
Among the briefing materials we shared were maps illustrating American military bases in Greece (including Souda Bay and Alexandroupolis), Turkish overreach into Greek maritime zones, and a widely-circulated Turkish nationalist map showing Greek islands falsely claimed as Turkish. Both Members of Congress were well-informed on the strategic roles these Greek bases play for NATO and U.S. operations in the region. They were also familiar with President Erdogan’s inflammatory remarks against Israel and its leadership.
In a symbolic gesture, K. Kabilafkas presented Chairman Mast with a copy of the book “The Thirty-Year Genocide” with a personal message inscribed inside.
We concluded the evening by meeting with senior staff from both congressional offices and exchanging contact information for continued dialogue.
This was a very productive and promising meeting, underscoring the value of direct engagement and collective action in advancing Hellenic and regional security interests.
