Antisemitic incidents in Spain rose sharply in 2025, with Jewish community leaders warning that hatred and discrimination have increasingly become part of everyday life since the October 7 Hamas massacre.

According to a new report presented in Madrid by the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain and the Movement Against Intolerance, 221 antisemitic incidents were recorded across Spain in 2025, up from 193 the previous year — an increase of approximately 14.5%. July, September and October recorded the highest numbers of incidents.

David Obadiah, president of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain, warned that the surge in antisemitism is having a direct impact on Jewish families, saying Jews have required increased security since October 2023.

“Our children are the only ones who go to their schools with a police presence,” Obadiah said, adding that insults and discrimination have become a daily reality for members of Spain’s Jewish community. He also blamed elements of the far left for contributing to the worsening atmosphere.

Esteban Ibarra, president of the Movement Against Intolerance, called on Spanish authorities to respond forcefully, stressing that antisemitism should not be treated as a legitimate political disagreement but as hatred and discrimination directed against Jews.

The two organizations called for a coordinated response from government authorities, schools, universities and digital platforms, warning that tolerating or minimizing antisemitism threatens both Spain’s Jewish community and the country’s broader democratic society.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)