BARCELONA, Spain — A prominent wellness center in Barcelona is facing severe public backlash, a formal police investigation, and an impending hate crime lawsuit after staff allegedly denied entry to two Jewish-American women and forcibly ejected them from the premises upon noticing a Star of David necklace.
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The incident occurred at the end of May 2026 at Sauna Thermas, a popular spa in the Catalan capital. According to reports, the two women attempted to enter the establishment when staff members noticed the religious jewelry worn by one of the patrons. Instead of allowing them entry, the employees reportedly interrogated the women before throwing them out of the facility. During the ejection, the women were allegedly subjected to verbal abuse, with staff shouting chants of “Free Palestine” and explicitly telling them they were not welcome because of the necklace.
The discriminatory treatment has triggered swift legal and law enforcement action. The legal advocacy group ACOM has intervened on behalf of the victims, assigning its legal team to file a formal lawsuit against the establishment and the individuals involved. The legal action will pursue charges of hate crimes and seek accountability for violations of Spain’s stringent equality and non-discrimination laws, which prohibit the denial of services in public accommodations based on religion or ethnic origin.
Simultaneously, the Mossos d’Esquadra, Catalonia’s regional police force, have officially opened a criminal investigation into the establishment. Investigators are currently gathering evidence, reviewing security footage, and taking statements to determine the extent of the discrimination and identify the staff members responsible for the altercation.
🚨🇪🇸 ABERRANTE HECHO ANTISEMITA EN BARCELONA
— Isaac (@isaacrrr7) May 31, 2026
Niegan la entrada a un establecimiento de baños termales a una mujer judía norteamericana y a su pareja por llevar una estrella de David.
ESTO DEBE TERMINAR YA MISMO.pic.twitter.com/RU0CrUeGIm
Following the rapid spread of the incident and the ensuing public outcry, Sauna Thermas issued a formal public statement addressing the controversy. The management categorically condemned the actions of their employees, issuing a direct apology to the affected women. The establishment asserted that it strictly does not endorse discrimination, antisemitism, or xenophobia of any kind, attempting to distance the corporate entity from the individual actions of the staff involved.
The incident has also drawn international attention and diplomatic condemnation. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly denounced the antisemitic episode, expressing outrage over the treatment of the Jewish-American tourists. Israeli diplomats have formally demanded that Spanish authorities take decisive and swift action against the perpetrators to ensure full accountability and to send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the rise of antisemitic incidents and the safety of Jewish individuals in public spaces across Europe. Spanish authorities and civil rights organizations continue to emphasize that the right to equal access to public services is a fundamental pillar of the country’s legal framework, and violations are pursued aggressively through the judicial system.
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As the investigation progresses, the Mossos d’Esquadra will determine whether to press formal criminal charges against the specific employees involved. Concurrently, the civil lawsuit filed by ACOM will proceed through the Spanish courts to seek justice and damages for the victims.
