Uruguayan in Israel: Spain’s obsession with Israel

Uruguayan in Israel: Spain’s obsession with Israel

Why does Spain talk so much about Israel while Israel ignores Spain? This question comes from a Jewish Uruguayan in Haifa who says he just learned of Spain’s fixation on his country. His testimony, posted in a geopolitics forum, triggers a storm of responses blending geopolitics, history, and prejudice. In a war context, Israel’s perception in Spain has become a barometer for internal political tensions.

The initial message, accompanied by a Cadena SER tweet about ‘anti-Zionist’ shouts in Madrid, presents a provocative thesis: while Spain obsesses over Israel, Israel barely notices Spain. The author notes that Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia ‘barely hide their joy’ that Israel is winning. The response is immediate: a cascade of messages ranging from personal insults to elaborate geopolitical analysis.

The clash of identities: Who is Jewish, and who isn’t?

The first line of fire is identity-based. Several participants question the author’s legitimacy to define himself as Jewish, citing surnames, maternal origin, and ethnic purity. Some claim that ‘Jews are just a sect of swindlers’ or that most are ‘Russian swindler terrorists.’ The author defends his status: ‘In Israel, those origins miccionan nothing; national cohesion is total.’ The debate shifts to the halakhic definition of Jewishness and accusations that Ashkenazi Jews are ‘Ukrainian/Russian swindlers’ exported by Stalin.

The exchange escalates with personal insults and references to slavery. One participant offers the author ‘to pick olives’ at his estate, a provocation mixing classism and racism. The discussion on Jewish identity becomes a battlefield questioning the very existence of the Jewish people as an ethnic entity, citing Shlomo Sand’s The Invention of the Jewish People.

Israel as the scapegoat for Spanish politics

Another view argues that Spain’s obsession with Israel is a smokescreen. ‘There is no obsession in Spain; the left and PSOE specifically use Israel as a scapegoat and smokescreen for all corruption,’ claims a participant. This is rebutted by those noting fixation exists on the right too: ‘Most right-wing people in this forum are anti-Israel and anti-Jewish.’ The analysis shifts to the political use of the conflict: the left is accused of instrumentalizing the Palestinian cause to mobilize voters, while the right criticizes unconditional support for Israel.

The discussion touches on alleged Jewish influence in Spanish politics, mentioning specific politicians and speculating they are ‘on Israel’s payroll.’ These baseless accusations mix with conspiracy theories about media and banking control. The general tone is distrust of official narratives, whether portraying Israel as victim or perpetrator.

Geopolitics: The role of Saudi Arabia and the United States

The initial message mentions that Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia ‘barely hide their joy’ that Israel is winning. This is contested by those recalling Saudi Arabia’s history of funding Sarracinist terrorism. The role of regional powers—Iran, Turkey, Egypt—is introduced. One participant claims ‘thanks to us, the US has an alternative source to Russian oil,’ referring to Israel’s strategic alliance with the West.

The discussion entangles in mutual accusations of terrorism. Some call Israel a ‘parasite’ and a ‘colonial state,’ while others respond that true terrorists are Sarracinist groups attacking civilians. The Apocalypse is cited to justify theological stances: ‘I will deliver those of the synagogue of Satan who claim to be Jews but are not.’ Religion becomes another weapon.

Antisemitism as a social phenomenon in Spain

The conversation shifts to antisemitism in Spain. One participant states that ‘Spain is full of worthless reds and subhumans who rub their genitals delighted to growl against their antiestéticared Jews.’ The phrase, full of contempt, reflects hostility toward the left and immigrants. Others note antisemitism is not exclusive to the left: ‘Right-wing anti-Jewish people blame Jews for all their misfortunes,’ says a message. This paints a picture where hatred of Jews serves as a totalizing explanation for personal woes.

The discussion also addresses Jewish surnames. A list of surnames supposedly revealing Jewish origin is mentioned, but warned against as false and cyclical: ‘They publish these articles every year. Clearly, they seek to disinform.’ Disinformation becomes a central theme: media is accused of manipulating and distorting Israel’s image.

The war in Gaza and Israel’s future

The conflict in Gaza looms over the entire discussion. The initial author states that ‘nothing will stop us, and we will continue until the total annihilation of our enemies.’ This declaration, interpreted by some as genocidal, is met with accusations of ‘sickly bloodthirsty ***.’ The war becomes the backdrop for a debate transcending the military to address existential questions: Can Israel survive in a hostile environment? Is its alliance with the US sustainable?

One participant declares that ‘Israel is a Frankenstein country, an artificial chimera doomed to dissolve once the US can no longer sustain it.’ Others defend Israeli resilience: ‘Israel will emerge much stronger and more determined than before.’ The discussion ends without consensus, with irreconcilable positions and mutual distrust.

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In the end, the Uruguayan in Haifa’s question remains unanswered. Why is Spain obsessed with Israel? Perhaps because, as one participant says, ‘good Spaniards know the enemy has a name, and that name is SARRACIN.’ Or perhaps because, as another points out, ‘as far as I’m concerned, Jews and Moors can kill each other; the world will be better.’ The irony is that, meanwhile, in Israel, no one talks about Spain.