Andorra's Jewish Community Accepts Apology Over Netanyahu Carnival Effigy

Andorra's Jewish community has accepted a personalized apology letter from Encamp's carnival commission, putting an end to the controversy over the Rei Carnestoltes effigy that satirized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu using a Star of David.

Isaac Benchluch, president of the Associació Cultural Israelita de les Valls d'Andorra (ACIV), confirmed the resolution on Thursday. He said the letter addressed apologies to the local and international Jewish community, expressed respect for all religions, and firmly rejected hatred, violence, or antisemitism. Benchluch emphasized that ACIV never doubted the organizers' good intentions, seeing the display as part of Encamp's longstanding political satire tradition. The group now intends to share the letter with global Jewish organizations to address concerns and discourage boycott threats from some French groups.

The effigy, created by young volunteers, appeared on February 14 during Rei Carnestoltes festivities. It incorporated Israeli flag colors, a Star of David on the face, and simulated gunfire tied to the Gaza conflict—elements the commission later described as traditional festival features that caused unintended offense when viewed out of context. Organizers quickly removed disputed social media images, provided explanations at the Ball de l'Ossa event, and sent the letter, insisting the intent was political critique, not targeting any religion, ethnicity, or nation.

Earlier, Benchluch had described the effigy as a "grave insult" to Jews, their faith, and Israel, calling it antisemitic and demanding public apologies from Encamp's council and commission, such as "We're sorry, we made a mistake." He voiced shame over the incident but clarified it did not reflect Andorrans broadly.

Encamp Cònsol Major Laura Mas acknowledged the Star of David as an "error" given its profound meaning, rejected any antisemitic intent, condemned prejudice, and urged de-escalation while upholding carnival's irreverent nature. She praised the commission's swift transparency, including the private letter to ACIV, and noted no formal complaints beyond social media.

Head of Government Xavier Espot called it a "muddled error" without antisemitic aim, distanced the executive, and declared the matter closed after clarifications. Andorra's ambassador to Paris, Ester Rabassa, met Israel's chargé d'affaires on Tuesday to explain the context amid a shift in diplomatic channels from Madrid, reaffirming opposition to antisemitism or racism. Espot later confirmed the commission was preparing further explanatory communication.

General Syndic Carles Ensenyat called for calm, deeming the commission's explanations sufficient to confirm political satire—common since 2003 against figures like Espot, Marsol, Puigdemont, or the EU—without targeting Jews. He noted decontextualized images appeared harsh abroad but commended the quick response and Andorra's multicultural legacy, including World War II refugee support. Ensenyat expressed empathy for initial Jewish community unease, received via institutions and relayed to organizers, while stressing no intent to attack faith or people.

The government passed on community concerns to Encamp despite no formal complaints, monitored developments, welcomed clarifications, and advocated balancing free expression with avoiding offensive depictions of groups.

Parliamentary views differed: Demòcrates and Andorra Endavant highlighted reputation risks and the need for sensitivity; Concòrdia and PS viewed it as routine humor; Ordino's carnival openly backed Encamp's rights, targeting Netanyahu alongside Putin and Espot in its closing testament.

Coverage reached Israeli outlets like Ynet and The Times of Israel, which noted Andorra's roughly 160 Jews, plus French and U.S. media. Israel's Paris embassy spokesperson Hen Feder labeled it "horrific antisemitism" evoking dark history and sought official condemnation, though favoring dialogue. France's CRIF regional head Franck Touboul called it "shameful," holding open boycott or legal options.

Other parishes pressed on: Escaldes-Engordany and Andorra la Vella satirized urbanism and commerce; Encamp used a replacement effigy after the original was stolen and destroyed in Canillo.