Hapoel Jerusalem Team Faces Hostile Protests in Barcelona Game

Is it 1938 Again? Pro Palis Hunt Hapoel Jerusalem Fans in Spain

Imagine showing up for a basketball game and ending up in a full-blown siege: That's what happened to Israel's Hapoel Jerusalem team during their EuroCup clash in Barcelona, where pro-Palestine protesters turned the city into a no-go zone, forcing players to sneak around under police choppers and ditch hotels in the dead of night.

An Israeli basketball team faced significant disruptions during a EuroCup game in Barcelona due to pro-Palestine protests, including hotel cancellations, security measures, and post-game clashes that led to arrests and property damage.

The issues began two weeks prior to the October 15 match when Hapoel Jerusalem's initial hotel reservation was canceled citing security concerns related to ongoing tensions. Other hotels in the area declined to accommodate the team, resulting in them staying more than an hour away from the venue. This arrangement complicated logistics and caused the team to miss a scheduled practice session.

On game day, police transported the players in three separate buses to avoid potential incidents. Protesters attempted to approach the vehicles, leading to confrontations with law enforcement.

The game against Baxi Manresa was held without spectators at Nou Congost arena due to safety precautions. Hapoel Jerusalem lost 101-94.

Following the match, approximately 2,000 protesters gathered outside the team's hotel, blocking access and chanting in support of Palestine. The demonstration escalated, with some participants removing barricades and throwing them at police vehicles. Protesters also targeted businesses such as McDonald's, Burger King, and Starbucks, accusing them of ties to Israel, resulting in vandalism including broken windows and fires in trash bins.

A major roadway was closed during the unrest. Authorities responded with tear gas, water cannons, and pepper spray, arresting at least 15 individuals. The team was relocated to an undisclosed hotel late at night under enhanced security, including helicopter surveillance, leaving some belongings behind. No serious injuries were reported.

Similar measures have affected other games in Spain, such as Joventut Badalona's match against Maccabi Tel Aviv, which was also played without fans.

Organizers of the protests, advocating for boycotts related to the Gaza conflict, had previously influenced FC Barcelona to deny Hapoel a training facility.

Spanish officials are investigating the disturbances, and as the EuroCup continues, further security protocols may be implemented for international competitions involving Israeli teams.