After Expelling Israeli Tourists... Increasing Patronage at a Spanish Restaurant Despite Calls for Boycott
In a scene reflecting European public reaction to events in Gaza, a small restaurant in Spain has become the focus of attention after its owner decided to expel a group of Israeli tourists in protest against “the violations committed by the occupation forces in the Gaza Strip.”
Despite facing a smear campaign and calls for boycott, the restaurant has witnessed a noticeable increase in customers, with many local and foreign visitors keen to show support for its humanitarian stance.
In a thank-you message posted on his platforms, the restaurant owner expressed his gratitude, saying: “We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who sent messages or called to support us from around the world, and to everyone who visited our stores and expressed solidarity. Your love means a lot to us. Thank you all.”
The story began when eight Israeli tourists were expelled from a restaurant in the city of Vigo, northwest Spain, according to a widely circulated video on social media. The video, filmed by the restaurant manager, Maimasa, shows him refusing to serve them and directing harsh remarks at them.
“You are killing Palestine, go eat in Gaza,” he shouts before snatching their menu and insulting them. In the video, he is also heard shouting, “You kill people and then go on vacation. Get out of here!” followed by chants such as “Long live Palestine, Free Palestine!” and “Zionists, get out!”
The group, believed to have already ordered drinks, left the restaurant without protest. The incident sparked widespread reactions within Israeli society and on social media platforms, with some condemning the manager’s behavior as unacceptable, while others saw it as a strong political statement.
Meanwhile, this incident comes amid escalating calls in recent weeks to boycott companies and institutions supporting the Israeli occupation, alongside popular demands for governments to take clearer stances on human rights violations in Palestinian territories.
So far, no official statement has been issued by Spanish authorities regarding the incident, but what happened reflects rising tensions in several European countries over Israeli violations in Gaza—tensions that are beginning to spill over into public spaces and tourist sites.
