The Vuelta race in Spain will come to an end Sunday, after violent pro-Palestinian demonstrations disrupted several stages. Many Israelis and Jews had planned to stage a massive show of support Sunday at the finish line in Madrid, but it seems this will not take place. While the pro-Palestinians continue to riot—causing Saturday’s Stage 20 route to be altered to avoid a large protest in one of the towns—the police informed Israel supporters that due to serious security warnings, they could not guarantee their safety.
“We started organizing in the last week to week and a half. We saw what was happening to the Israeli team, the terrible things they had to endure, and we decided that we would come to the final stage—not to provoke, but only to show support and encouragement for Israel Premier Tech. We decided to notify the police so they would know, and so we would know where to position ourselves to stay safe." said Adva, an Israeli who has lived in Madrid for the past 11 years.
“It’s very important for me to emphasize: the police are very supportive of us as Israelis. They always allow us to demonstrate; they say it’s fun to secure us because it’s all civilized and without violence. They wouldn’t cancel our protest. They contacted us on Friday afternoon and said that maybe it would be better if we didn’t come—not because it’s forbidden, but because of serious alerts that the unrest along the route is going to peak in Madrid, and they weren’t sure they could protect us completely. They didn’t disqualify us—on the contrary, they were concerned for us. I decided it was too dangerous.
“A tough debate began. People argued that it’s not right, that they live in a democratic country, they pay taxes, and they want to exercise their right to assemble and show support, and that they’re tired of bowing their heads to protesters. I can understand them. For me, this was the first time, privately, that I began to question the decision to live here—in a place where, despite good intentions, the authorities clearly tell you they cannot protect you.”
Yael Street Tjahada, the daughter of an Israeli father who lives in Madrid, however, does not intend to stay home.
“The pro-Palestinians are very violent, but only with words, and I have a black belt in Taekwondo. We’re not going to hide in our own city. I created a new group—we have 50 people, and even if only 15 show up, that’s fine. If the police can’t protect us, that’s their problem, not ours. It’s more dangerous to give in to them," she said.
During the opening days of the Grand Tour, protesters ran onto the course and obstructed Israel-Premier Tech riders, and in one incident stopped the entire peloton.