Israeli Influencer Maya Kay Faces Antisemitic Incident in Madrid Restaurant

Israeli social media star Maya Kay recently experienced an antisemitic incident while dining with her mother at a restaurant in Madrid. The two were speaking Hebrew when a nearby older man deliberately displayed a phone screen showing the Palestinian flag, repeatedly turning it on and off to ensure they noticed. Kay shared photos of the incident on her Instagram, emphasizing that the man was intentionally sending a clear message rather than casually viewing content. Despite the provocation, Kay and her mother chose to leave the restaurant only after finishing their meal, not directly because of the antisemitic behavior. However, as they exited, the man pressed his phone displaying the flag against the restaurant window to continue the intimidation.

This episode reflects a broader rise in antisemitic incidents across Europe, particularly since the October 7 attacks, with Jewish organizations reporting increased verbal harassment, threats, property damage, antisemitic demonstrations, and physical assaults against Jewish individuals and institutions. Kay’s public sharing of the event highlights ongoing concerns about antisemitism in European public spaces and social environments.