‘Destroy Israel’ Banner Unfurled at Opening Ceremony for ‘Running of the Bulls’ Festival in Spain

A massive banner reading “Destroy Israel” was unfurled at the San Fermín festival opening ceremony in Pamplona, Spain, on Monday.

The banner featured a crossed-out Israeli flag beside the slogan and the initials “EHKS,” referring to Euskal Herriko Kontseilu Sozialista, a Basque socialist organization.

Crowd members hoisted it above their heads in Plaza Consistorial before the chupinazo, the ceremonial rocket launch that opens the week-long festival, known worldwide for the “Running of the Bulls.”

🇪🇸 Pamplona, Spain, July 7, 2026: During the San Fermín festival, home to Spain's famous Running of the Bulls, thousands of attendees waved a banner reading “Destroy Israel."

This festival continues to platform antisemitic incidents year after year.
pic.twitter.com/h8GAWLL9jx

— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) July 7, 2026

Attendees also tossed in the air inflatable balls shaped like watermelons, which has emerged as a common antisemitic symbol in the aftermath of the October 7th massacre.

This marks the second straight year the “Destroy Israel” message has surfaced at the annual San Fermín festival. Protesters brandished the same phrase during the 2025 chupinazo, when marchers chanted “Free Palestine” amid rows of Palestinian flags.

Also last year, Pamplona Mayor Joseba Asiron’s administration invited the “Navarre Stands With Palestine” activist group to shoot off the firework that begins the proceedings.

Read more:

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