The Jewish community of Andorra, numbering around 160 members, expressed its profound shock after an effigy representing the State of Israel was symbolically tried, hanged, shot, and then burned during carnival festivities in the parish of Encamp. Images of the ceremony show a large blue and white figure, bearing a Star of David in place of its face, displayed before spectators and local officials.
The event was part of the annual tradition of the “Carnestoltes,” a satirical figure whose effigy is traditionally judged and destroyed to mark the end of the celebrations. But according to members of the Jewish community, this was the first time the spectacle had incorporated symbols associated with Israel or Judaism.
Esther Pujol, a community representative, denounced the act as “totally unacceptable,” Ynet reported. She stated that she had contacted the president of the Andorran parliament, who reportedly expressed his shock at the events. She also emphasized that the mayor of Encamp and several city councilors were present at the ceremony.
While anti-Israel protests had already taken place in the principality following the Hamas terrorist attack of October 7, community leaders believe this week’s events cross a worrying threshold. “We’ve never experienced anything like this here,” said a resident of Israeli origin, describing a “disturbing and astonishing” scene in a country previously considered relatively untouched by antisemitic acts.
The community fears that this type of symbolic representation could contribute to normalizing hatred. No violence has been reported, but several residents say they fear a deterioration of the atmosphere in this small state nestled between France and Spain
