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Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) CEO Sacha Roytman has sent a letter to Bilbao Mayor Juan Mari Aburto, urging him to take “swift action” to remove numerous public displays of antisemitic hatred that were documented in the northern Spanish city recently and ensure that Jewish residents and visitors are protected from hate speech and discrimination.
“On behalf of the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), a global coalition of more than 850 partner organizations and five million grassroots activists, I am writing to express urgent concerns regarding the safety and well-being of Jewish residents and tourists in Bilbao that demand immediate attention and action,” Roytman wrote.
He continued, “I recently received photographs showing numerous manifestations of antisemitic hatred on the streets of Bilbao’s Deusto neighborhood, including graffiti, posters, and stickers featuring slogans such as ‘Zionist, you aren’t welcome,’ ‘From the river to the sea, Palestine will win,’ ‘From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,’ ‘Free Palestine,’ ‘Genocide Israel,’ and ‘Boycott Israel.’ Some of these messages were even found on the walls of a children’s daycare center.”
“This dangerous rhetoric creates a hostile and threatening atmosphere and has the potential to incite violence against both Jewish community members and visitors,” Roytman noted.
“It is crucial Bilbao remains a safe and welcoming place for all people, irrespective of their faith or beliefs,” he stated. “The proliferation of antisemitic bigotry not only endangers those directly targeted but also undermines the social fabric of Bilbao as a whole, and damages its global image and reputation.”
Roytman concluded, “In light of this grave reality, I implore you to take swift action to maintain public order and safety, including the immediate removal of any antisemitic graffiti displays and the implementation of strict new measures against hate speech and discrimination. Thank you for your consideration of this pressing matter. I look forward to hearing about the steps your administration takes to rectify this troubling situation.”
The full text of Roytman’s letter can be read HERE.
