The distinction between the State of Israel and its government is relevant in the public debate, according to David Obadía, president of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain (FCJE), who points out that frequent confusion exacerbates perceptions towards the Jewish community. According to statements published by Europa Press, Obadía affirms that these differences are diluted in public and media discourses and that this confusion makes all Jews the target of hostile attitudes that arise from the responsibility attributed to the Israeli government. In this context, the community representative expresses concern about the increase in anti-Semitic acts in Spain, especially after the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023.
According to Europa Press, data provided by the Interior Ministry reflects a 60.9% increase in hate crimes of an anti-Semitic nature in 2024 compared to the previous year. Obadía emphasizes that these are not FCJE statistics, but statistics from government sources, which underlines the seriousness of the situation. The president of the federation attributes the increase in hostility to statements by the ultra-left and highlights the influence of groups such as Podemos and Sumar. In this context, he mentions the use of the slogan “From the River to the Sea” by the Vice President of the Government, Yolanda Díaz, an act that, in his opinion, fuels an atmosphere of unwarranted tension towards the Jewish community.
Europa Press reports that anxiety among Jews in Spain has reached a point where some fear violent incidents like the one on Bondi Beach in Australia, where at least two attackers attacked participants at a Jewish celebration, killing 15 people, could be repeated in the country. Obadía praises the work of the police forces and the special surveillance in synagogues, educational centers and community activities, while emphasizing the exceptional character of a religious community that has to go to its places of worship with police escort. This effort, he affirms, reflects the uniqueness of the situation of Jews in Spain and highlights the group’s vulnerability to threats.
In his interview with Europa Press, he adds that hostility is not only perceived in the general area of anti-Semitism, but is also evident in forms of anti-Judaism spread on talk shows and some media. According to him, this trend ignores the multicultural reality of Israel, where 17.8% of the population is Muslim and different religious communities, as well as groups such as the LGTBI, coexist, forming a heterogeneous and pluralistic society.
Obadía considers Spain’s decision to cancel the Eurovision Song Contest in protest against Israel’s participation to be wrong and expresses his rejection of the mixing of cultural, sporting or musical themes with war events in the Middle East. According to Europa Press, the president of the FCJE gives other examples where these areas are affected by conflict politics, pointing to sporting events such as the Vuelta Ciclista or football matches to which the protest is shifting. In his opinion, this policy requires change and he believes that separating these activities from the events in Gaza would promote a more neutral and fair coexistence.
In his statements collected by Europa Press, Obadía observes a slight decline in anti-Semitic discourse since the signing of the peace agreement pushed during Donald Trump’s US presidency, although he believes the change has been little. It points out that serious insults against Jews such as “murderous Jew” or “genocidal Jew” still exist in Spain and regrets that they are perceived as foreigners despite their full integration into Spanish society, where they contribute economically, pay taxes and create jobs and investments.
The president of the FCJE reiterates that, in his opinion, the discourse of the ultra-left is the main cause of the current situation and attributes the search for electoral support through the intensification of hostile messages towards Jews to a specific political narrative. “They throw the Jews to the lions in exchange for four votes,” he explains, as reported by Europa Press. In addition, he clarifies that the FCJE’s relations with the Spanish government are only with the Socialist faction of the executive, since “we have no relationship with the ruling part of Sumar,” he stressed.
When it comes to the role of religious leaders in relation to the political situation in Spain, according to Europa Press, Obadía points out that although the expression of political opinions is part of democratic freedom, religious organizations should not participate in debates about the continuity or evolution of governments, a position that characterizes the apolitical line of the federation.
The increase in anti-Semitic attacks is particularly affecting the school community, reports Europa Press. Obadía denounces that young Jews are harassed not only by their peers, but also by teachers in schools, institutes and early childhood education institutions. He points out that the politicization of the Middle East conflict in classrooms, even when the subjects do not require it, creates a hostile environment for Jewish students who even hide their identities for fear of physical or verbal attacks. Describes situations in which previous incitement in the social environment enables unexpected attacks. It warns that the intensity of bullying in educational settings represents a particularly damaging circumstance for children and young people in the community.
Faced with this scenario, he expresses the need for a structural improvement in education so that students receive information about all religions from a young age, a measure that he believes could reduce discrimination against Jews in Spain.
Regarding the law granting Spanish citizenship to Sephardic descendants, whose tenth anniversary is being celebrated, Obadía claims that the provisions have not been fully effective, according to Europa Press. It is noted that although the initiative has enabled the resolution of around 80,000 cases, there are still many people who have not been able to complete the process, mainly due to the expiration of the established deadline. He thanks the King and the governments involved in the adoption and implementation of the law for “returning what is ours”, although he reiterates that the completion of the process has excluded many applicants.
Finally, Obadía expresses his wish that in 2026 the Jewish community in Spain can lead its daily life normally and without threats, a request that he accompanies with recognition of the numerous Spanish citizens who support it and maintain close ties with the Jewish people, as Europa Press highlights in its reporting.
About The Author
