Jewish Man Recalls Antisemitic Attack by Crowd in Barcelona Harbor Area

Jimmy Zaghroun, a Jewish man attacked alongside six friends in Barcelona several weeks ago, recounted the harrowing incident in an interview with a French TV network. The group was subjected to antisemitic insults, spitting, and threats for about 40 minutes by a large crowd near the Barcelona harbor. Initially, the crowd chanted pro-Palestinian slogans like "Free Palestine," but the rhetoric quickly turned hostile with shouts of "Jews are not welcome here," "baby killers," and "death to Israel," alongside calls against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Zaghroun described how the group, some wearing traditional Jewish attire including kippahs and Hasidic clothing, became frightened as the crowd grew and surrounded them. Despite Zaghroun's attempts to clarify he was French and not Israeli to de-escalate the situation, the harassment continued. The group eventually split up to avoid being encircled and fled back to their hotel for safety.

The attack occurred amid pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Barcelona, with the initial provocation coming from a woman displaying pro-Palestinian symbols who shouted at the group and rallied others to join. Zaghroun’s testimony highlights the intensity and duration of the antisemitic abuse they endured, emphasizing the fear and danger they faced during the incident.