Isaac Benzaquén, president of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain, has been in Barcelona to address in situ the concern about what they consider to be an increase in anti-Semitism in Catalonia. A situation that links to the climate that some political decisions believe, especially the breakup of the Barcelona-Tel Aviv twinning. Ask for dialogue with the institutions.
On 28-M there are municipal and regional elections. The mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, decided last February to freeze the twinning between the cities of Barcelona and Tel Aviv. Do you see it possible to renew the relationship?
In the federation, the news caused us a lot of sadness and alarm. The relations that have existed between Catalonia, Barcelona, Israel and Tel Aviv have been friendly, positive, intercultural. This break does not reflect the reality of what Barcelona is, a welcoming, open city. And Tel Aviv is a model city in terms of coexistence and freedom. We have sent several letters to the mayor expressing our point of view to discuss the situation and meet with her. We have been told no - on Wednesday Khalid Ghali, City Council Commissioner for Intercultural Dialogue made a first approach. In this sense we would like changes.
You warned that the decision to sever relations has an impact on the Jewish community in Barcelona, where the majority are Barcelona citizens without Israeli passports.
The decision has a lot of impact on the Jewish community in Catalonia because it creates moments of difficulty, attitudes against the Jewish community that can resurface. We are citizens here, most of us do not have Israeli passports, with diverse opinions, we do not represent the Government or the State of Israel.
On April 17 there was graffiti in the Maimónides Synagogue of the Israeli Community of Barcelona, which from the Jewish community was linked to Colau's decision. Yesterday there was another graffiti in favor of Palestine in the Chabad synagogue.
That's the point, that's what we're concerned about. I am in Barcelona to attend the Interreligious Coexistence and Dialogue Award that Dalia Levinsohn receives, and also because of the concern we have for the situation the Jewish community is experiencing in the face of an increase in anti-Semitism. The characteristics of the graffiti "Palestine free from the river to the sea" is a message that conveys that the Jews of Israel must be thrown into the sea. Graffiti also appeared accusing the Jews of having caused covid, of having the power of money. These are situations that are occurring and concern us all.
Last June, the Parliament approved a motion in which the policy applied by Israel in Palestine was considered an "apartheid crime" with the vote of the PSC. The Israeli embassy also expressed its displeasure. Meanwhile, the ardent socialist, Jaume Collboni, does not side with Colau
These situations happen, but you have to thank Collboni for all the support to the Jewish community when the twinning broke up because it was a very difficult time.
In these complex months, the Government's decision to stop the opening of a delegation of the Generalitat in Tel Aviv, a project promoted when Victòria Alsina (Junts) held the Ministry, also generated controversy. Are they related to the Government?
There is no relationship. Barcelona is the city that receives the most visits from Israel. If you travel to Tel Aviv you will see many Barça shirts. This is the emotional part, but also at the moment Israel can make great contributions in the technological, economic, agricultural fields... Opening a delegation would be positive for everyone because it would benefit everyone and society Catalan
The president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, quickly showed herself ready to tighten relations with Israel.
The relations of the Jewish community with Madrid institutions, with the Community and the City Council, are very positive, very close. Ayuso was the first to advocate for Jewish heritage to be studied in schools. It is true that the feeling of the Jewish community in Madrid has nothing to do with the one experienced in Barcelona, due to the events we are discussing. These are issues – the Parliament's motion, the break-up of twinning, the cancellation of the Government's delegation – that would not be considered in Madrid.
Does the weight of Podemos – with a pro-Palestinian position – condition its relations with the Government of Spain?
We have a very good and fluid relationship with the Spanish Government and a very important step has recently been taken with the approval of the strategic plan to fight anti-Semitism and promote Jewish life. It is a mandatory strategy in the EU and Spain is one of the few countries that has this strategy approved.
With a general perspective, are they concerned about the evolution of the political debate and polarization, the growth of extremist parties?
The anti-Zionism that is proclaimed today is a disguise of anti-Semitism. The goal of extreme right-wing and extreme left-wing radical groups is hatred of the Jew, of the State of Israel. We are concerned that it may become consolidated in society.
A goal that was set when he assumed the position of the Federation was to open the Jewish communities to society.
As we participate in meetings, we realize the great ignorance there is of the Jewish people, of their traditions. It is partly our fault because we have not been able to explain ourselves. Many stereotypes start from this lack of knowledge. The Jewish communities must be integrated into the society in which they are, in the cities.
