Former French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, the former Mayor of Barcelona Xavier Trias, and others have launched a new foundation to combat antisemitism in Catalonia.
Valls, Trias, Spanish Senator Gabriel Colomé, historian Adriá Fortet, the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain (FCJE), and the Jewish Community of Barcelona presented the ‘EMET-Truth Foundation’ in Barcelona on Monday. The initiative was born as a response to “the alarming increase in acts of antisemitism registered in Catalonia” in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre.
The foundation also spoke of an increase in serious episodes of harassment and attacks on homes and businesses linked to Jews, and also the dissemination of discriminatory maps online identifying Jewish-owned businesses.
“Creating this foundation is a clear statement that we will not normalize antisemitism and that we will respond with responsibility, dignity and action,” said the Jewish Community of Barcelona.
At the event, the foundation announced its intention to raise awareness about antisemitism through education and cultural exchange initiatives.
Jewish graves smashed in Barcelona cemetery
Multiple speeches also focused on an antisemitic incident last week, when dozens of Jewish graves in Barcelona’s Les Corts cemetery were smashed and torn out of the ground.
Barcelona’s Mayor, Jaume Collboni, said at the time that “hate has no place in a pluralistic and respectful Barcelona,” adding that “all our support is with the city’s Jewish community.”
Just last month, during a visit to Israel, Valls told The Jerusalem Post that “hatred of Jews today is linked to hatred of Israel” and that the best way to fight antisemitism is to defend Israel.
Valls has long been considered a friend of Israel and the Jews, and has spoken out consistently against antisemitism.