Swastika Vandalism Defaces Maimonides Statue in Córdoba's Jewish Quarter

The bronze statue of Maimonides in Córdoba, Spain, was vandalized with a swastika painted on its base, according to Spanish media reports. The statue stands in Plaza de Tiberíades, located in the historic Jewish quarter of Córdoba, a popular stop for tourists. Authorities have not yet announced whether any suspects have been identified in connection with the incident.

The statue commemorates Maimonides, born in Córdoba in 1138, who was a prominent medieval Jewish philosopher, physician, and rabbi. Created in 1964 by Spanish sculptor Amadeo Ruiz Olmos to mark 760 years since Maimonides' death, the statue was inaugurated during cultural events celebrating Jewish-Spanish heritage and underwent restoration in 2009.

Previously, there was consideration to place a replica of the statue in Tiberias, Israel, where Maimonides is buried, but the plan was abandoned due to opposition from local rabbis and Orthodox groups. The Jewish community in Barcelona condemned the antisemitic act, stating that defacing the statue with a Nazi symbol is an attack on their shared history, culture, and values of knowledge, freedom, and coexistence represented by Maimonides' legacy. They affirmed that hatred will never overcome culture.