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Spanish restaurant owner under investigation after expelling Israeli customers

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Vigo police launch hate crime probe after owner calls Israelis ‘murderers.’

By David Brummer, World Israel News

A restaurant owner in northern Spain is under investigation after expelling a group of Israeli tourists last week and calling them “murderers.”

The incident has sparked a national uproar following the episode in the city of Vigo.

A video shared widely on social media shows the restaurant’s owner, Samir Salim, shouting at the Israelis to leave.

“Get out of here, you Palestinian murderers! Go eat in Gaza,” he is heard yelling.

Since the footage emerged, pro-Palestinian activists have praised Salim’s actions.

He later told local media that the expulsion was not premeditated. He claimed it was a spontaneous reaction that felt “right in the moment.”

However, many residents of Vigo and across Spain condemned the incident. They demanded legal action, saying it tarnishes the city’s reputation and deters tourists.

Israel’s embassy in Madrid issued a strong condemnation.

“It is unacceptable that in Spain in 2025, people are expelled from a restaurant simply for being Israeli,” the embassy said.

“A Europe where Jews fear speaking Hebrew is a Europe with a very serious problem. It is the result of blatant hostility toward Jews and Israelis.”

The European Jewish Congress joined the chorus of condemnation.

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“We are appalled by the incident in Vigo, Spain, where Israeli customers were thrown out of a bar, hurled with vile insults, and faced shouts of ‘Viva Palestina libre,’” it posted on X.

“We urge Spanish authorities to investigate this incident thoroughly and ensure that spaces remain safe and respectful for all, regardless of origin or background.”

A Madrid resident filed a formal complaint with the national police.

Vigo’s local police have since opened an investigation, treating the case as a potential hate crime.

Salim was questioned by police and released shortly afterward.

Meanwhile, a pro-Israel group in Spain announced plans to sue Salim. The group, operating under the organization ACOM, works to promote Israeli advocacy in Spain and across Europe.

In a statement, ACOM said the restaurant discriminated systematically against Israeli visitors.

The group argued that the incident constitutes a grave violation of Spanish equality laws and minority rights based on nationality or religion.

“Samir Salim expelled Israeli citizens in a discriminatory manner while insulting them and accusing them of crimes against the Palestinian people,” ACOM said.

“This is a serious case of antisemitism and discrimination. Expelling Israelis based on their nationality, coupled with insults, accusations, and glorification of terrorism, is a direct assault on human dignity.”

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In recent years, ACOM has launched several legal actions against the BDS movement and pro-Palestinian organizations promoting anti-Israel agendas.

The group has secured key victories, including legislation passed in the Spanish Parliament and rulings by Spain’s Supreme Court.

Vigo’s city officials have yet to comment publicly on the matter, but local voices continue to express anger over the blow to the city’s image.

Spain appears to be competing with Ireland as to which can be more vituperative toward Israel and the Jews.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has publicly accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza, and the country’s national court is investigating claims of “war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

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