StandWithUs, a U.S.-based pro-Israel advocacy group, has announced the cancellation of its planned April 26–May 3, 2026 mission to Spain, citing what it described as the Spanish government’s “constant hostility” toward Israel and the Jewish people.
The organization said the move is in direct response to Spain’s stated plans to recognize a Palestinian state, a decision it argues would “reward Hamas and the Palestinian Authority for terrorism against Israel and its citizens.”
Roz Rothstein, CEO and Co-Founder of StandWithUs, strongly criticized Spain’s position:
“Hamas still has Jewish blood on its hands from the savagery of October 7th, 2023, marked by torture, rape, murder, and kidnapping. Forty-eight innocent hostages are still being held in Gaza. In this horrific context, the Spanish government has been demonizing Israel and preparing to hand Hamas and its supporters a political victory.”
Rothstein also accused Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of continuing the so-called “Pay for Slay” policy, under which Palestinian authorities provide financial incentives to families of those who carry out attacks against Israelis. She argued that Spain’s recognition of a Palestinian state would only embolden such actions.
Historical and Political Tensions
Spain’s relations with Israel have long been marked by complexity. The country was the last in Western Europe to recognize Israel, in 1986, and its history of Jewish persecution, including the Spanish Inquisition of the late 1400s, remains a sensitive chapter.
Since 2022, antisemitic incidents in Spain have reportedly surged by 567%. StandWithUs claims that the Spanish government has worsened the situation by accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, backing arms embargoes, and engaging in “lawfare” against Israeli policies.
The group also highlighted Spain’s own history of extremist violence, referencing the 2004 Madrid train bombings that killed 191 people and injured more than 1,800. “Spanish leaders should know better,” Rothstein said, urging Madrid to reconsider its course.
Call for Boycott
StandWithUs said it will not bring delegations to Spain under current circumstances and urged others to cancel their travel as well.
“We strongly urge others to cancel all travel to Spain until its leaders abandon this dangerous course and demonstrate genuine respect for the Jewish state, its security, and its right to defend its citizens,” Rothstein declared.
Senior Reporter at AMN News Agency, known for his insightful journalism and in-depth coverage of current events.
