A Barcelona sauna has issued a formal apology after two Jewish American women said they were denied entry to the venue because one of them was wearing a Star of David necklace, in an incident that sparked outrage among Jewish groups in Spain.
According to the women’s account, they were also asked during the incident whether they were Zionists, as was reported by the Spanish website Enfoque Judío.
Entry barred to two women at Barcelona spa
(Video: Pursuant to Section 27A of the Copyright Law)
Sauna Thermas said in a statement that it regrets the events that took place at the venue and unequivocally condemns any expression of antisemitism, racism, xenophobia or any violation of human dignity.
The venue said it was committed to values of inclusion, equality and respect, and stressed that it does not take positions on international political conflicts.
Management said it strongly condemns denying entry to anyone because they carry symbols of their identity, culture or religion, such as the Star of David. It added that geopolitics cannot be used as an excuse for hatred or personal censorship in a leisure space.
Following the complaint, Sauna Thermas said it had ended its cooperation with Bolleras al Vapor, the group that organized the private event during which the incident occurred. The venue also said it would tighten oversight of future events produced by outside organizers.
The incident drew sharp responses from Jewish organizations in Spain. The Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain (FCJE) condemned the episode, calling it “a clear antisemitic act that violates fundamental rights."
Barcelona’s Jewish community also voiced support for the women and called for greater pride in Jewish identity, warning against singling people out for wearing religious symbols.
The community said people must be free to express their religious identity without fear, and stressed the need to distinguish between political protest and personal discrimination in public and private spaces.