Protesters wave Palestinian flags during a rally calling for an end to the war between Israel and the Palestinians, in Madrid, on June 14, 2025. (Credit: Pierre Philippe Marcou/AFP)
A man of Lebanese origin, owner of a restaurant in Spain, has been making headlines on social media recently after a controversial incident aimed at alleged Israeli customers. In a video that has gone viral on social networks, a man identified by Lebanese media as Samir Salim, a Lebanese native of Sarafand (Saida), is seen forcefully insisting that eight Israeli customers seated on his restaurant terrace "leave here," in solidarity with Palestine and Gaza. According to available information, the restaurant is located in the city of Vigo, in northwest Spain.
"You kill Palestinians, go eat in Gaza," the owner shouted angrily, according to the footage shared online. "Free Palestine," he also chanted in Spanish. According to witnesses present and the published video, Salim also said "Labeika Nasrallah" (at your service, Nasrallah), a popular chant praising the former Hezbollah leader, during the incident. Israel assassinated Hassan Nasrallah in a massive bombardment on the southern suburb of Beirut on Sept. 27, 2024.
'Free Palestine'
The video has triggered a wave of strong reactions on social media.
On one hand, supposed pro-Israeli accounts shared the video by criticizing what they call "antisemitic behavior," with users urging others to leave negative reviews for the restaurant. On the account of Ran Alkalay, who personally posts "Israeli and Jewish" news, a flood of comments claim they will "boycott" the restaurant and wish for a "long life to Israel."
On the other hand, some internet users have praised the owner's "courage" and expressed their desire to support his restaurant. "What is the name of this restaurant, it deserves to be known," one user posted. "Everyone should do the same," and "Free Palestine," can also be read in the comments on other accounts. "Bravo to Spain, hopefully the world will do the same," one user commented under the video reposted by AJ+ in French, an online video channel from Al Jazeera.
Other users have focused on the owner's supposed support for Hezbollah, particularly among pro-"Axis of Resistance" users, the coalition to which Hezbollah belongs.
In recent months, Spain has established itself as one of the most critical voices in the European Union toward the Netanyahu government, repeatedly drawing the ire of Israel.
