An art museum in Madrid has asked its security department to “immediately launch an independent and transparent internal investigation to clarify what happened” after three elderly Israeli women were forcibly expelled for displaying Jewish symbols, including a Star of David necklace and Israeli flag.
Spanish media initially reported that other visitors to the Reina Sofia Museum reacted angrily to the presence of the women, one of whom is believed to a 91-year old Holocaust survivor. The elderly ladies were met with insults, including the accusation that they were “crazy child killers”, “murderers” and “genocidal maniacs”.
An armed guard, instead of protecting the women, reportedly made them leave the premises, rather than those who were verbally abusing them.
Responding to Jewish News, a spokesperson for the museum said:
“With regard to the video posted about the incident involving three visitors carrying Israeli flags and Stars of David last weekend, the museum has asked its security department to immediately launch an independent and transparent internal investigation to clarify what happened.
“Furthermore, the Museum wishes to unequivocally express its commitment to equality, religious freedom and zero tolerance for any type of violence or discrimination related to antisemitism. The Museum’s staff is highly qualified in fundamental rights, conflict management and the prevention of any type of discrimination.
“Once again, we would like to highlight the importance that Jewish artists, patrons and benefactors have had for the institution and its collection, especially in the avant-garde, without whose selfless collaboration the Museum as we know it today would be inconceivable. For all these reasons, we will not rest until the unfortunate events that have taken place are clarified.”
In 2024, the Museum presented an exhibition titled “From the River to the Sea” in solidarity with Palestinians, later changed to ‘Critical Thinking Gatherings, International Solidarity With Palestine’ following outrage from the Israeli embassy and the Jewish community.
