ACOM announces legal action against Sauna Thermas in Barcelona for a flagrant act of antisemitic discrimination

The Association Acción y Comunicación sobre Oriente Medio (ACOM) strongly and unequivocally condemns the intolerable antisemitic incident that took place on May 29, 2026, at Sauna Thermas (Carrer de la Diputació 46, 08015 Barcelona), a public establishment offering thermal and leisure services.

According to the facts reported and recorded on video, two Jewish American women living in Barcelona were expelled from the premises after the receptionist identified them as Jewish because they were visibly wearing a Star of David. The employee asked them if they were “Zionists,” explicitly linked their Jewish identity to the refusal of entry, and when the women refused to leave, a confrontation occurred involving physical contact by staff members, while chants of “Free Palestine” were shouted. The victims were literally thrown out of the establishment.

This is not an isolated incident, but a clear and direct case of discrimination based on religion and antisemitism that seriously violates the fundamental rights of the Jewish community in Spain. In particular, Barcelona has become one of the most dangerous epicenters of antisemitic aggression in Europe.

ACOM has immediately referred the case to its legal team to initiate all appropriate legal proceedings (criminal, administrative, and civil) against Sauna Thermas and the individuals responsible. The actions will be based on the possible violation of Law 15/2022 on equal treatment and non-discrimination, the hate crime offense under Article 510 of the Spanish Penal Code, Articles 14 and 16 of the Spanish Constitution (equality and religious freedom), and the regulations governing public establishments and municipal licenses.

ACOM will demand before the Hate Crimes Prosecutor’s Office, the Mossos d’Esquadra, Barcelona City Council, and the Government of Catalonia the immediate opening of sanction proceedings against the establishment, the revocation of its license if applicable, and the imposition of the maximum administrative and criminal penalties. In parallel, a civil claim for damages will be filed on behalf of and in support of the victims.

We will not tolerate any establishment or individual in Spain discriminating against a person simply for being Jewish. The Star of David is not a political symbol — it is a religious and identity emblem of the Jewish people. Expelling someone for wearing it constitutes pure antisemitism, and it will have serious legal consequences.

ACOM will remain vigilant and will act with the full force permitted by law until legality is restored and those responsible are held accountable.