Jewish Group Harassed in Antisemitic Chase Through Barcelona Streets

A group of French Jewish visitors was subjected to an antisemitic harassment incident in Barcelona over the weekend. The episode began after the group left a synagogue following Saturday evening prayers. Two members, identifiable by their kippot, including one dressed in Hasidic attire, were targeted with hostile stares, insults, and a chase lasting about an hour and a half as they made their way to their hotel.

According to the victims, a woman wearing shorts, a sports bra, a Palestinian keffiyeh, and covered in tattoos initiated the pursuit, shouting antisemitic slurs and repeatedly spitting at them. Gradually, dozens more joined in, many on bicycles, scooters, or motorcycles, chanting slogans such as "Jews are not welcome in Barcelona," "baby killers," and "Israeli genocide."

The crowd blocked the group's free movement, causing them to fear physical assault for over half an hour. They only escaped upon reaching their hotel, where security personnel prevented the pursuers from entering. If confirmed, this would be among the most severe antisemitic harassment cases documented in Barcelona in recent years.

The Barcelona Jewish community and the Federation of Jewish Communities in Spain are collecting information and considering filing complaints with authorities. They urge witnesses or those with photos or videos from the area near the waterfront, Port Olímpic, or the Sofitel and Arts hotels to come forward.

This incident adds to a series of antisemitic acts reported in recent months, including desecration of the Montjuïc Jewish cemetery, graffiti, vandalism, threatening demonstrations, and intimidation against community members. The Federation calls on authorities to end any indifference to the worsening situation, emphasizing that antisemitism is a threat to democracy as a whole, not just the Jewish community.