Antisemitic incidents in Spain increased by almost 15% in 2025, according to a new report warning that hostility towards the country’s Jewish community has remained persistently high since the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023, Israel National News reports
The annual report, presented in Madrid by the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain and the Movement Against Intolerance, recorded 221 antisemitic incidents during 2025, up from 193 a year earlier. This represents an increase of approximately 14.5%.
July, September and October saw the highest numbers of reported incidents. The organisations behind the study said the figures point to a sustained pattern rather than a temporary rise linked to individual events.
David Obadiah, President of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain, said the deterioration has had a direct impact on everyday Jewish life, with heightened security becoming a routine necessity since 7 October.
„Our children are the only ones in Spain who go to their schools in the presence of a clearly visible police presence, and the insults, harassment, and discrimination have become part of our day-to-day reality,” Obadiah said.
He also criticised elements of the far left which, he argued, have helped create an increasingly hostile environment for Spanish Jews.
Esteban Ibarra, President of the Movement Against Intolerance, warned against treating antisemitism as simply another aspect of political disagreement.
„Antisemitism is not a valid opinion or a legitimate political dispute, but a form of hatred and improper discrimination against Jews,” Ibarra said.
He warned that when antisemitism is minimised or allowed to become normalised, the consequences extend beyond the Jewish community and damage society and democratic life more broadly.
The two organisations called for a coordinated response from the Spanish government and other public institutions. Their recommendations include stronger action within schools and universities and measures addressing antisemitic content on digital platforms.
They argued that the ability of Jewish citizens to live openly, safely and freely should be regarded not simply as a Jewish communal concern, but as an important measure of the health and resilience of Spanish democracy.
photo credit: Anadolu via Reuters Connect
More News
