In the presentation of the Report on Antisemitism in Spain 2022 by the Antisemitism Observatory, a collaborative effort between the Federation of Jewish Communities in Spain and the Movement Against Intolerance, representatives of the Jewish communities expressed their concerns for the surge of antisemitism since the Hamas massacre.
“There is a real surge. Now there is rational, political, and religious antisemitism…” stated Esteban Ibarra, president of the Movement Against Intolerance.
The report also highlights progress and positive developments, such as the Supreme Court’s recognition of the discriminatory nature of motions by municipalities regarding the boycott of Israel and the presentation of the National Plan to implement the European Strategy to combat antisemitism.
The FCJE and the MCI have also emphasized the increase in antisemitism in Spain as a result of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas, following the massacres committed by the latter in Israel on October 7th.
The Antisemitism Observatory has documented a rise in expressions, graffiti, political stances, posters, chants at anti-Israeli demonstrations, cartoons in the media, etc., which are either antisemitic themselves or contribute to a climate that may lead to antisemitism.
They provided two clear examples: the attempted attack on the synagogue in Melilla on October 18th by a group of protesters and the occupation of the lobby of a hotel owned by an Israeli in Barcelona for half an hour on October 21st.
