NEW YORK — Americans For A Safe Israel, a long-standing pro-Israel advocacy organization, is calling on American Jews to cancel travel plans to Spain following the Spanish government’s decision to permanently withdraw its ambassador from Israel.
The appeal was issued after Spain’s Foreign Ministry announced the diplomatic move amid ongoing regional tensions involving Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah.
Moshe Phillips, National Chairman of Americans For A Safe Israel, said the decision reflects what he described as a failure to support Israel during a critical moment.
“Spain’s announcement that it is eliminating its ambassadorial position in Israel, at the very moment Israel is fighting for its life against Iran and Hezbollah, is a moral disgrace,” Phillips said in a statement.
He added that American Jews should “immediately cancel all planned trips to Spain” in response.
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
Spain’s decision to withdraw its ambassador represents a significant step in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
While Spain has not detailed all aspects of its decision publicly, the move comes during a period of heightened conflict in the Middle East, with Israel engaged in ongoing security operations against Iranian backed groups.
Israel has long identified Iran as a primary security threat. Iranian leaders have repeatedly called for the destruction of Israel, and Tehran has supported armed groups including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.
Security analysts widely note that Israel’s military posture is shaped by these threats.
Support From U.S. Political Figures
Americans For A Safe Israel also referenced comments from U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who criticized Spain’s decision.
According to the organization, Graham said that Spain’s move was inconsistent with the broader strategic alignment among Western allies.
“Spain is a member of NATO, and the United States and Israel are in joint operations against the Iranian regime who openly calls for the destruction of the Jewish State,” Graham said, according to the AFSI statement.
He added that “the Iranian regime is the problem, not the Jewish State.”
Graham has been a vocal supporter of Israel’s security policies and has consistently emphasized the threat posed by Iran.
Historical Context And Controversy
In his statement, Phillips also referenced historical grievances related to Spain’s role during the Second World War.
Historians generally note that Spain under Francisco Franco maintained a position of non-belligerence during much of the war, although the country’s role remains a subject of academic debate.
Phillips argued that Spain’s current policy reflects a continuation of what he described as past moral failures.
Experts caution that historical comparisons require careful examination and context, and scholars continue to study Spain’s actions during that period.
Calls For Economic And Travel Pressure
The call for a travel boycott reflects a broader strategy often used by advocacy groups to apply pressure on governments through economic means.
Tourism is a major component of Spain’s economy, and millions of international visitors travel to the country each year.
Americans For A Safe Israel said its recommendation is intended to send a clear message regarding support for Israel.
The organization emphasized that its advocacy is focused on countering what it views as anti-Israel sentiment in international forums.
About Americans For A Safe Israel
Founded in 1970, Americans For A Safe Israel is one of the oldest pro-Israel advocacy organizations in the United States.
The group focuses on public education, policy advocacy, and efforts to counter anti-Israel narratives.
According to the organization, it operates independently and is not affiliated with any political party in either the United States or Israel.
Ongoing Debate Among Jewish Communities
The call for a boycott is likely to generate discussion within Jewish communities in North America and beyond.
While many Jewish organizations strongly support Israel’s right to defend itself, approaches to international diplomacy and responses to foreign policy decisions can vary.
Analysts say that debates over how to respond to actions by allied countries are part of a broader conversation about Israel’s place in global politics.
At the same time, support for Israel’s security remains a central concern for many Jewish communities, particularly in light of ongoing threats from Iran and its regional allies.
As the situation develops, the impact of Spain’s decision on diplomatic relations, tourism, and international advocacy efforts will continue to be closely monitored by policymakers and community leaders alike.
