Spanish Antisemitism Surges 14.5% in 2025 Amid Rising Xenophobia

Antisemitic incidents in Spain rose by 14.5% in 2025, with authorities recording 221 hate crimes compared to 193 the previous year, according to a joint report by the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain (FCJE) and the Movement Against Intolerance (MCI). The report indicates that the surge in hostility, which began after the escalation in the Middle East in October 2023, has become a sustained trend rather than a temporary reaction. This rise in xenophobia and intolerance is impacting various aspects of Spanish society, leading to heightened security measures for Jewish institutions. Schools and synagogues are now operating under constant police protection, and discrimination and aggression have extended beyond physical attacks to social media, educational settings, and cultural spheres.

David Obadia, president of the FCJE, expressed concern over the situation, stating that parents questioning the safety of sending their children to school presents a significant challenge for the nation. Rights advocates emphasize that antisemitism should not be disguised as legitimate political criticism or discussions about the Middle East conflict. The report also notes that the Spanish government is facing increasing criticism, with accusations that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his party's "uncompromising anti-Israeli rhetoric" are fostering an environment conducive to hostility within Spanish society. Experts warn that the normalization of antisemitism in public discourse threatens the country's democratic foundations. Community leaders are urging politicians and law enforcement to take a more proactive stance to halt the wave of hatred and prevent its further entrenchment in daily life.