Spanish Antisemitism Surges 14.5% in 2025, Jewish Leaders Demand Action

A new report from the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain (FCJE) and the Movement Against Intolerance (MCI) reveals a significant increase in antisemitic incidents in Spain during 2025. The report documented 221 antisemitic incidents, a 14.5% rise from the 193 incidents recorded in the previous year. The highest numbers of incidents were observed in July, September, and October, indicating a worsening trend that has intensified since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

David Obadia, president of the FCJE, stated that the situation is severely impacting the daily lives of the Jewish community. He noted that since October 2023, Spanish Jews have required constant security escorts. "Our children are the only ones in Spain who go to their schools with a prominent police presence, and insults, harassment, and discrimination have become part of our daily reality," Obadia said, also criticizing far-left elements for exacerbating the hostile atmosphere.

Esteban Ibarra, president of MCI, rejected attempts to legitimize antisemitism as part of political discourse, demanding a firm institutional response. "Antisemitism is not a legitimate opinion or political dispute, but a form of reprehensible hatred and discrimination against Jews," Ibarra declared. He warned that when society or authorities minimize or normalize such phenomena, coexistence deteriorates and democracy weakens.

In response to the report's findings, both organizations have issued a clear call to the Spanish government and state authorities for a coordinated institutional response. They are urging educational institutions, universities, and digital platforms to take action to eradicate this hatred. The Jewish community leaders emphasized that the level of security and freedom enjoyed by Spain's Jewish citizens serves as a crucial indicator of the overall quality and strength of Spanish democracy.