A Jewish lesbian couple was expelled from Sauna Thermas, a gay sauna in Barcelona, after a staff member asked if they were "Zionist" because one wore a Star of David pendant . the incident, captured on video, sparked condemnation from the venue and Israel's foreign ministry, highlighting lingering antisemitism even in LGBTQ+ spaces.

May 29 Private Event Triggers Antisemitic Confrontation

According to the video, the confrontation occurred during a private gathering organized by Bolleras al Vapor on May 29. a woman confronting the couple asked, "Are you a Zionist person?" before another added, "The question is not Jewish, it's Zionist." The pair were then escorted out while other patrons queued to enter.

Sauna Thermas Issues Public Apology and Disassociates from Organisers

Sauna Thermas posted on X, stating it "deeply regrets and unequivocally condemns" the episode and that it "rejects any form of antisemitism, racism, xenophobia, discrimination." The venue emphasized that the actions were those of the private‑event organisers, not its staff, and announced that Bolleras al Vapor would no longer hold events there.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry Labels the Incident Antisemitic

Israel’s foreign ministry called the episode "another antisemitic attack in Spain," noting that demanding Jews distance themselves from Zionism to gain entry is "blatant antisemitism ." The ministry urged Spanish authorities to intervene decisively against hate‑based discrimination.

Barcelona Jewish Community Demands Legal Action

The Community of Jews in Barcelona (CIB) posted on X that the couple’s exclusion was "unacceptable" and called for immediate intervention by anti‑discrimination services. The community warned that normalising such behaviour threatens the city’s reputation for tolerance.

Unresolved Questions About Venue Responsibility

It remains unclear whether Sauna Thermas staff directly participated in the ejection or merely followed the private event’s directives. Additionally, Spanish anti‑hate authorities have not yet conifrmed if a formal investigation will be opened.