Barcelona Launches EMET – Truth Foundation to Address Rise in Antisemitism
Former French Prime Minister Manuel Valls and senior Spanish political and civic figures attend the foundation’s inaugural event in Barcelona.
PRESS CALL
Barcelona will host the official launch of EMET – Truth Foundation, a new initiative dedicated to addressing antisemitism and promoting democratic values, at an event bringing together political leaders, historians, and representatives of Jewish institutions.
Among the participants are Manuel Valls, former Prime Minister of France; Xavier Trias, former Mayor of Barcelona; Gabriel Colomé, Senator in the Spanish Parliament; and historian Adrià Fortet.
The event is organized in collaboration with the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain and the Jewish Community of Barcelona.
Event Details
- Date: Monday, February 2, 2026
- Time: 19:00
- Venue: Saló del Tinell, Plaça del Rei s/n
- City: Barcelona
- Media check-in: From 18:45
Press contact:
Ofer Laszewicki Rubin
📞 +34 634 427 125
📧 Press@fundacionemetverdad.com
Background
The launch takes place amid a reported increase in antisemitic incidents in Catalonia and other parts of Spain following the Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023. Jewish communities and civil society organizations have raised concerns regarding public discourse, security, and the protection of cultural and historical sites.
Recent incidents — including harassment directed at individuals and businesses identified as Jewish, the circulation of a mapping initiative by GoGo Carto, and the desecration of the Jewish cemetery of Les Corts in Barcelona — have intensified discussion around antisemitism, hate speech, and social cohesion.
About EMET – Truth Foundation
EMET – Truth Foundation is a pluralistic and independent initiative focused on combating antisemitism and fostering coexistence. Its activities will include:
- educational and awareness programs,
- cultural and civic dialogue initiatives,
- documentation and research,
- and cooperation with public and private institutions.
The foundation aims to contribute to the strengthening of democratic values and to the prevention of discrimination in all its forms.
Program
The inaugural event will feature:
- presentations by the foundation’s trustees outlining its objectives and strategic priorities,
- contributions from partner institutions,
- and testimonies addressing the impact of antisemitism on individuals and communities