International Christian Embassy condemns burning of Netanyahu effigy at Spain Easter ceremony

An Easter ceremony in El Burgo, southern Spain, has sparked outrage and condemnation from the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), which has decried the burning of a seven-meter effigy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a deeply antisemitic act. The ICEJ views this incident, which occurred during one of Christianity's most sacred celebrations, as a disturbing manifestation of historical prejudice that has no place in modern society.

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The International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem denounces this outrageous antisemitic display carried out during the most sacred celebration in the Christian calendar, that of Easter.

ICEJ President Dr. Jürgen Bühler drew a direct line between this event and medieval antisemitic narratives that historically portrayed Jews in negative and harmful ways. He emphasized that such practices, often associated with the 'Burning of Judas' tradition, should be prohibited by the Catholic Church, particularly in light of reforms introduced during the Vatican II Council. The organization highlighted that similar incidents have occurred in other countries, citing a particularly egregious case in Pruchnik, Poland, where a Judas effigy invoked antisemitic imagery reminiscent of Nazi propaganda.

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Burning of Judas” ceremony reflects a medieval tradition historically linked to antisemitic narratives portraying Jews as greedy, Christ-killers, or inherently evil.

The ICEJ has linked this Spanish incident to broader political trends, including statements by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez that have been critical of Israel's actions. The organization pointed to Spain's recognition of a Palestinian state in 2024 and its calls for arms embargoes as contributing to an environment where such acts of hostility can occur. The ICEJ's statement explicitly denounced the effigy burning as an 'outrageous antisemitic display' and called for a clear and unequivocal condemnation from the Catholic Church in Spain.

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Instead of condemning Israel and the Jews, Good Friday could be more meaningfully used to remember those Christians who ‘share in Christ’s sufferings.’

Furthermore, the ICEJ urged the Vatican to reassess its approach to Israel, suggesting that its criticism has been 'one-sided.' The embassy proposed that Good Friday could be more constructively used to remember Christians suffering persecution globally, rather than focusing solely on criticism of Israel. The message concluded with a reminder of the biblical connection, quoting 'Salvation is from the Jews,' to underscore the importance of respecting Jewish people and heritage, especially during religious observances.

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Salvation is from the Jews.