The Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain (Federación de Comunidades Judías de España (FCJE)) has expressed its “deep concern” following a serious alleged episode of antisemitic harassment targeting a group of French Jewish citizens in Barcelona on the night of Friday 3 July 2026.
According to the account provided by the victims, the incident began shortly after they left a synagogue following Shabbat prayers and dinner. Two members of the group, who were visibly identifiable as Jewish — one of them wearing traditional Hasidic attire — reportedly became the target of hostile stares, insults, and sustained pursuit lasting approximately one and a half hours as they walked towards their hotel.
The complainants state that a woman dressed in shorts, a sports bra, and a Palestinian scarf, and covered in tattoos as described by the group, began following them while shouting antisemitic slogans and repeatedly spitting at them. They allege that the situation quickly escalated as dozens of additional individuals, travelling by bicycle, scooter, and motorbike, joined the harassment. The group was reportedly surrounded and prevented from walking freely, while chants including “Jews are not welcome in Barcelona”, “baby killers”, and “Israeli genocide” were directed at them.
The victims claim they feared a physical assault for more than half an hour before reaching the Hotel Arts Barcelona, where security staff reportedly prevented their pursuers from entering the premises.
If confirmed, the Federation stated that this would represent one of the most serious antisemitic harassment incidents recorded in Barcelona in recent years.
The Comunidad Judía de Barcelona and the FCJE are currently gathering information and considering filing formal complaints. They have called on any witnesses, or individuals who may have images or video footage from the evening in the Barcelona seafront area — including the Port Olímpic and surroundings of the Sofitel and Hotel Arts — to come forward.
The FCJE further noted that this incident comes amid what it describes as a broader rise in antisemitic incidents in recent months, including the desecration of the Montjuïc Jewish cemetery, graffiti and vandalism, intimidating demonstrations, and threats directed at members of the Jewish community.
The organisation urged the authorities to take decisive action, warning against what it sees as any form of institutional passivity. It stressed that antisemitism is not solely a concern for the Jewish community, but “a problem for democracy as a whole.”
