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CAM CEO Sacha Roytman sent a letter to Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni on Tuesday, urging him to take “swift action” to remove antisemitic graffiti that was seen in the Spanish city in recent days and ensure that Barcelona residents and visitors are protected from hate speech and discrimination.
“On behalf of the Combat Antisemitism Movement, I am writing to express urgent concerns regarding the safety and well-being of the Jewish community and visitors in Barcelona,” Roytman wrote. “A recent incident has come to my attention that demands immediate action.”
“I have received photographs from Natalie Sanandaji, who visited Barcelona this week,” he continued. “Ms. Sanandaji is a survivor of the tragic events of October 7 at the Nova Music Festival, where Hamas infiltrated Israeli communities resulting in the murder of 1,200 people, including over 300 at the festival site. Having survived such a traumatic experience, Ms. Sanandaji was further distressed to encounter antisemitic slogans and graffiti in Barcelona. These messages, which include statements such as ‘Israel War Crimes,’ ‘Zionism Kills,’ ‘Free Palestine,’ and ‘Boycott Israel,’ are divisive and threatening to both the Jewish community and visitors. The photos documenting these messages are included in the appendix.”
“Barcelona is renowned for its diversity and inclusiveness, and it is crucial that it remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone, irrespective of their heritage or beliefs,” Roytman noted. “The proliferation of such hateful expressions not only endangers those directly targeted but also undermines Barcelona’s reputation as a city of harmony.”
“In response to these serious concerns, I implore you to take swift action to maintain public order and safety,” Roytman stated. “This should involve the immediate removal of any antisemitic graffiti and the introduction of strategies to shield all residents and visitors from hate speech and discrimination.”
He concluded, “Taking a firm stance against antisemitism and advocating for tolerance and respect will allow Barcelona to maintain its status as a symbol of diversity and unity. I am confident that your leadership will safeguard these principles and ensure the well-being and honor of all who live in or visit the city. Thank you for your consideration of this critical issue. I anticipate the affirmative measures your administration will adopt to resolve these issues.”
Today, I received these pictures from Barcelona by Natalie Sanandaji (@NatalieSan40037), who survived the October 7 massacre at the Nova Music Festival.
Imagine how she feels after seeing calls to stop ‘Israel War crimes,’ ‘Zionism kills,’ ‘Free Palestine,’ ‘Boycott Israel,’ and… pic.twitter.com/GTV7jKZPVU
— Sacha Roytman (@SachaRoytman) December 12, 2023
The full text of Roytman’s letter can be read HERE.
