52 Jewish Children Removed from Spanish Flight for Singing Hebrew

A group of about 52 Jewish children and teens, ages 10 to 15, were removed from a Vueling Airlines flight in Valencia, Spain, on July 23, 2025. The children, returning to France from a summer camp, were left stranded at the airport after singing Hebrew songs on board. The incident has sparked international outrage, accusations of antisemitism, and calls for official investigations from several governments.

What happened on the Vueling Airlines flight in Valencia?

The group, organized by the Kineret Club under the Matana charitable association, was preparing to fly home to France after a summer camp in Spain. According to multiple reports, the Jewish children began singing Hebrew songs while waiting for takeoff. Flight crew asked them to stop, and the children complied. Despite this, the crew called local police, who boarded the plane, ordered the group to disembark, and demanded that the children place their phones on the ground—allegedly to prevent them from recording the incident.

The camp’s 21-year-old director objected to the police’s actions and was handcuffed and detained. He was later released after reportedly signing a non-disclosure agreement. The children, many of whom wore traditional Jewish garments, were left at Valencia Airport without immediate support from the airline.

Immediate aftermath and support for the children

Stranded and separated from their families, the Jewish children faced hours of uncertainty and distress. Local Jewish organizations in Valencia stepped in quickly, providing meals, lodging, and logistical support while alternative travel arrangements were made. According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, most of the group reached their destination in France within 24 hours, with the remaining passengers departing soon after.

Throughout the ordeal, the Israeli Embassy in Madrid and the Israeli Foreign Ministry maintained direct contact with Spanish authorities to ensure the children’s safety and help coordinate their travel. French officials also became involved, with lawmakers demanding answers and accountability.

Vueling Airlines’ response and official statements

Vueling Airlines has denied any accusations of antisemitism. The airline claims the group was removed for “disruptive behavior,” mishandling emergency equipment, and ignoring safety instructions. As of July 24, 2025, Vueling has not issued a detailed public statement or apology, and Spanish authorities have only cited “disruptive behavior” as the reason for removal.

However, witnesses and Jewish community leaders allege that staff made inflammatory remarks, including references to Israel as a “terrorist state,” and that the children were singled out for expressing their culture. Some parents and community leaders have described the incident as traumatizing and discriminatory, especially since the children were wearing visible signs of their Jewish identity.

International and community reactions

The incident has drawn strong condemnation from several governments and organizations:

• Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, called the event “one of the most disturbing antisemitic incidents in recent memory.” He shared footage of the arrest and demanded accountability from both the airline and Spanish authorities.
• Caroline Yadan, a French lawmaker representing French citizens abroad, called for Vueling Airlines to be held accountable in court if the reported actions are confirmed.
• Parents and Jewish community leaders described the incident as deeply traumatizing, with some saying it reminded them of past antisemitic actions in Europe.
• Witnesses reported that staff made inflammatory remarks and that the children were targeted for their Jewish identity.

The event has also reignited debate over how airlines and law enforcement handle minority and religious groups, especially during times of heightened tension related to the Middle East.

Background: Antisemitism and recent incidents in Spain

This incident is not isolated. In 2025, there have been several reports of harassment and intimidation of Israelis and Jews in Spain, including cases where Jewish tourists were chased from restaurants and hotels. Spain has faced criticism in recent years for rising antisemitic rhetoric and for not doing enough to protect Jewish residents and visitors.

Jewish organizations and human rights groups have called for stronger action from Spanish authorities to address these concerns. The removal of the Jewish children from the Vueling Airlines flight in Valencia has become a symbol of these broader issues, highlighting the need for better protection and understanding of minority groups.

Step-by-step account of the incident

1. On board the plane:
   • The Jewish children began singing Hebrew songs while boarding and waiting for takeoff.
   • Flight crew asked them to stop, and the children complied.
2. Escalation:
   • Despite compliance, the crew called local police.
   • Police boarded the plane, ordered the group to disembark, and demanded that the children place their phones on the ground.
   • The camp director intervened, was handcuffed, and detained.
3. Aftermath:
   • The children and director were removed from the flight and left at the airport.
   • Local Jewish organizations provided emergency support.
   • Israeli and French authorities intervened to arrange alternative travel.
   • Most children reached their destination within 24 hours; the remaining group followed soon after.

Policy implications and practical effects

The removal of the Jewish children from the Vueling Airlines flight in Valencia has several important implications:

• For the affected children and families:
  • The children experienced immediate trauma and distress, being stranded and separated from their families for several hours.
  • They relied on local Jewish organizations for emergency support and logistics.
  • There are ongoing concerns about safety and discrimination for Jewish travelers in Spain.

• For airlines and travel policy:
  • The incident has led to renewed scrutiny of airline staff training, anti-discrimination protocols, and crisis management.
  • There are calls for clear guidelines on handling group travel, especially when it involves minors and cultural or religious activities.
• For Spanish and European authorities:
  • There is pressure to investigate the incident thoroughly and address allegations of antisemitism.
  • Legal proceedings or regulatory action may follow if discrimination is confirmed.
  • The event has led to heightened diplomatic engagement with Israeli and French governments.

Multiple perspectives on the incident

What are the next steps for affected families and communities?

For the Jewish children and their families, the immediate focus is on recovery and support. Local Jewish organizations in Valencia and across Europe continue to offer help, including counseling and logistical assistance. Many parents are calling for a full investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable.

For the broader Jewish community, the incident has led to increased vigilance and advocacy. Community leaders are urging airlines and authorities to adopt stronger anti-discrimination policies and to ensure that incidents like this do not happen again.

What can airlines and authorities do to prevent similar incidents?

• Staff training: Airlines should provide regular training for staff on cultural sensitivity and anti-discrimination, especially when dealing with groups of minors or people expressing their cultural or religious identity.
• Clear guidelines: There should be clear, transparent guidelines for handling group travel and for responding to complaints or concerns about passenger behavior.
• Independent investigations: When incidents occur, airlines and authorities should conduct independent investigations to determine what happened and to hold those responsible accountable.
• Support for affected passengers: Airlines should have protocols in place to provide immediate support to passengers who are removed from flights, especially minors.

How can travelers protect themselves and their rights?

Travelers who feel they have been discriminated against or mistreated can take several steps:

• Document the incident: If possible, record details of the incident, including names, times, and what was said or done.
• Contact authorities: Reach out to your country’s embassy or consulate for assistance. For example, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides support to Israeli citizens abroad.
• File a complaint: Contact the airline’s customer service department to file a formal complaint. Vueling Airlines’ customer service can be reached through their official website.
• Seek community support: Local Jewish organizations and advocacy groups can provide help and guidance.

Broader context: Antisemitism and minority rights in Europe

The removal of Jewish children from the Vueling Airlines flight in Valencia is part of a larger pattern of concern about antisemitism and minority rights in Europe. Jewish communities in Spain and other countries have reported an increase in harassment, discrimination, and violence in recent years.

Governments and international organizations have responded by calling for stronger laws and better enforcement to protect minority groups. However, many community leaders say more needs to be done, including education, public awareness campaigns, and stronger penalties for discrimination.

Ongoing investigations and possible policy changes

As of July 24, 2025, investigations into the incident are ongoing. There are calls for independent reviews by Spanish authorities, and possible legal proceedings against Vueling Airlines if discrimination is confirmed. International Jewish organizations and human rights groups are monitoring the situation closely.

There is also discussion about new guidelines or training for airline staff on cultural sensitivity and anti-discrimination. Diplomatic engagement between Spain 🇪🇸, Israel 🇮🇱, and France 🇫🇷 may lead to new agreements or protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

What should affected families do now?

• Stay informed: Follow updates from official sources, including embassies, consulates, and community organizations.
• Seek support: Reach out to local Jewish organizations for counseling and assistance.
• Consider legal action: If you believe your rights were violated, consult with a lawyer or advocacy group about possible next steps.
• Share your story: Public awareness can help prevent future incidents and encourage authorities to take action.

Conclusion and practical guidance

The removal of Jewish children from a Vueling Airlines flight in Valencia has become a major international incident, raising important questions about discrimination, airline policy, and the safety of minority travelers in Europe. While most of the children have now reached their destination safely, the trauma and distress caused by the incident will have lasting effects.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, this event highlights the urgent need for airlines and authorities to adopt stronger anti-discrimination measures and to ensure that all travelers are treated with respect and dignity. Families and communities affected by such incidents should seek support, document their experiences, and demand accountability from those responsible.

For more information on your rights as a traveler and how to seek help if you experience discrimination abroad, visit the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs or contact your local embassy or consulate. Stay connected with community organizations, and remember that support is available for those who need it.

By working together, communities, airlines, and governments can help ensure that incidents like the one in Valencia do not happen again, and that all travelers—regardless of their background—can feel safe and respected wherever they go.

Learn Today

Vueling Airlines → A Spanish low-cost airline operating European flights, involved in this 2025 antisemitism incident.
Antisemitism → Hostility, prejudice, or discrimination against Jewish people based on their religion or ethnicity.
Matana Association → Charitable organization organizing the Jewish summer camp attended by the children in this incident.
Flight crew → Airline staff responsible for passenger safety and conducting flight operations aboard an aircraft.
Non-disclosure agreement → A legal contract requiring parties not to disclose confidential information, signed by the camp director.

This Article in a Nutshell

In July 2025, Vueling Airlines removed 52 Jewish children singing Hebrew on a Valencia flight, sparking antisemitism claims. Authorities and communities demand investigations and better protections, as families cope with trauma and call for airline accountability and cultural sensitivity training to prevent future discrimination incidents.
— By VisaVerge.com