A Jewish lesbian couple was expelled from Sauna Thermas in Barcelona on May 29 after an organizer asked one woman if she was a Zionist upon seeing her Star of David pendant. The incident was captured on video,leading the venue to issue a statement condemning antisemitism and distancing itself from the private event organizers.

Sauna Thermas’ Public Apology and Disassociation from Private Group

Sauna Thermas, which markets itself as an inclusive gay sauna welcoming all, released a statement saying it "does not condone genocide" and that the episode was the fault of the private group Bolleras al Vapor. The venue clarified that it had no control over the event and that it will no longer host Bolleras al Vapor events. According to the statement, the management "remains committed to dignity and inclusion" and has "taken steps to ensure such incidents do not recur.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry and Local Jewish Groups Call Incident Unacceptable

Israel’s Foreign Ministry denounced the episode as “blatant antisemitism,” stressing that targeting Jews because of Jewish symbols and demanding they renounce Zionism is antisemitic. The Jewish community of Barcelona (CIB) demanded intervention from hate‑crime services, asserting that no citizen should be excluded based on religion, origin,or identity. The CIB also warned that such normalization must not be tolerated.

Video Footage Reveals Hostile Interaction and Chanting

Video footage shows an organizer confronting the North American Jewish woman, asking: “Are you a Zionist person?” The woman replied, “Because I’m wearing a Jewish star?” Another organizer added, “The question is not Jewish, it’s Zionist.” While the couple filmed the exchange, staff members heard the chant “Free Palestine, please leave. You’re not welcome, go.” The couple was escorted out, and the partner filming was reprimanded for recording.

Unanswered Questions About the Private Event’s Motives

While Sauna Thermas has distanced itself from Bolleras al Vapor, the specific motives behind the private event remain unclear. Was the group’s agenda tied to a broader political statement, or was the incident an isolated act of prejudice? The organizers’ threat to involve police and the chant of “Free Palestine” suggest a possible political undertone, but no official statement clarifies the intent. The incident also raises questions about how inclusive venues can safeguard against politically charged harassment .

Broader Trend of Politicized Discrimination in LGBTQ+ Spaces

The incident echoes earlier reports of discrimination in LGBTQ+ venues, where patrons have faced harassment based on religious or ethnic symbols. In 2023, a similar episode at a Toronto gay bar saw a patron ejected after a staff member questioned her faith. These events highlight a growing tension between inclusive spaces and politically motivated exclusion, underscoring the need for clearer policies and staff training to prevent future incidents.