In the Chueca neighborhood, the liberal Madrid hang-out par excellence, there is a restaurant that from the outside could be any other. A modern and bright place, with large windows facing the street, like so many others in this area of the capital. However, upon entering to ask for a table, it quickly becomes apparent that you are actually in one of the few kosher restaurants in the city. It is important to clarify that it is not the only one, although I do not know of any with such a youthful atmosphere, in which it says on a blackboard, "Welcome to Tel Aviv", as if to remind you that its cultural reference is the open, diverse, multicultural, tolerant and secular life of the Israeli city. While trying what must be the best hummus in Spain along with a delicious aubergine dish, the question popped up, could Tel Aviv be in Madrid?
Madrid stands as a cosmopolitan beacon, boasting an autonomous government that aligns itself as a staunch supporter of Israel. This contrasts with the central government's approach, which appears to balance its stance to appease its far-left partners. Despite attempts by some to negate this, Spain historically has seen a significant decline in its Muslim and Jewish populations.
Spain acknowledges a historical obligation to these communities, having exiled them in the same year it embarked on its American adventures. Recent efforts to redress this have been directed towards Sephardic Jews through an invitation to acquire Spanish nationality, albeit in a restricted manner due to stringent eligibility criteria.
Drawing parallels to Israel's establishment as a sanctuary for Jews and Arabs alike, one might be drawn to envision Spain evolving into a spiritual homeland for the descendants of the Sephardim and Berbers, reconnecting them with their ancestral lineage.
Certainly, the notion presented is more hypothetical than practical. Present-day Spain finds itself, according to some metrics, among the European nations grappling with anti-Semitic sentiments, and it also seems to lack the collective will or means to assimilate a substantial Muslim demographic. This observation serves as a pointed critique aimed at both the anti-Semitic factions of the left and the Islamophobic elements of the right.
The historical tapestry of Spain is rich with intrigue, notably its celebration of the "Reconquista" - the transformation of an Arab dominion into a Christian kingdom. This was achieved through the efforts of the Catholic Monarchs who either expelled or converted the Islamic and Jewish inhabitants. These events, which unfolded over five centuries ago, have left an enduring imprint. In contemporary Spain, a mere 2 percent of the populace adheres to non-Christian faiths. In retrospect, Ferdinand and Isabella's legacy in establishing a Christian stronghold endures to this day.
Today's Spain emerged from a tumultuous history of expulsion, while Israel was born from the aspirations of those fleeing persecution, securing land through legitimate means and establishing a nation under the auspices of the United Nations on territory previously under British rule. The onset of violence was a response to aggression from neighboring Arab states intent on the new state's destruction.
Paradoxically, despite the historical connections, many Spaniards find it perplexing to witness the flourishing of a Jewish state on lands that had been taken from them many centuries ago. This mirrors the situation in Spain, where, by similar reasoning, the land is steeped in a complex history of ownership. This reality resonates with radical Islamist factions who harbour ambitions of reclaiming Al Andalus, echoing the stance of groups like Hamas that lay claim to the expanse from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea.
It is conceivable that the Spanish reluctance to welcome back Jewish communities stems from a concern that it would precede a similar return of Muslim populations, potentially altering the religious demographic balance significantly. Critics of Israel may overlook the irony in deeming it anti-Islamic, given its diverse society, which stands in stark contrast to Spain's less varied religious landscape. The threat of extremism is not unique to any one nation, and the challenges faced by Israel today could be mirrored elsewhere tomorrow. The key is not opposition to Islam but the cessation of extremist factions like Hamas and the current Iranian regime, paving the way for peaceful coexistence among Jews, Muslims, and Christians in the Middle East.
Spain, in contrast, does not stand out as a paragon of religious openness. There is a journey ahead for the country to match the level of inclusivity and tolerance found in Israel, and to merit a city with the vibrant and welcoming spirit of Tel Aviv.
