Credit: Fundación Emet
The EMET Foundation – Verdad was presented this Monday (2) in Barcelona as a new initiative dedicated to combating antisemitism and all forms of hatred, while also promoting tolerance, respect, and democratic coexistence. The launch was attended by the press, as well as political figures, academics, and representatives of the Jewish community in Spain.
The foundation is promoted by Manuel Valls, former Prime Minister of France; Xavier Trias, former mayor of Barcelona; Gabriel Colomé, senator in Spain’s Cortes Generales; and historian Adrià Fortet, with the support of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain and the Jewish Community of Barcelona. The creation of EMET responds to the significant rise in antisemitic incidents following the Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, including episodes of harassment, vandalism, and the desecration of Jewish sites in Catalonia.
Credit: Fundación Emet
The launch of the project takes place just a few days after graves in the Jewish section of the Barcelona cemetery were vandalized. According to data from the Report on Antisemitism in Spain 2024, 193 incidents were recorded nationwide — an increase of more than 300% compared to the previous year. These figures were reinforced by testimonies shared at the launch event, highlighting the climate of fear experienced by Jewish students in educational institutions and the trivialization of violence against Jews. Tributes were also paid to public voices that denounce antisemitism, such as journalist Pilar Rahola.
EMET – Verdad is founded as a pluralistic and independent organization, focusing on educational, cultural, and social awareness initiatives. According to its leaders, the foundation aims to act as a reference institution in the defense of human rights, the fight against hate speech, and the strengthening of social cohesion in Spain and across Europe.
