Key facts
- A hotel in southern Germany allegedly denied a booking to an Israeli family.
- The hotel staff reportedly cited 'no Jews allowed' as the reason for the denial.
- The hotel claims the remark was due to frustration over fake bookings.
- Booking.com removed the property from its platform.
- Local prosecutors are investigating the case on suspicion of incitement to hatred.
A hotel in southern Germany, Hotel Zum Hirschen, is facing severe backlash and a potential criminal investigation after allegedly denying a booking to an Israeli family with the remark, 'sorry, there are no Jews allowed in our hotel.' The incident was shared on X by Talya Lador, Israel's Consul General in southern Germany, who drew parallels to the 1930s. The hotel has since issued an apology, stating the remark was made out of frustration due to numerous fake bookings and phishing attempts, and not directed at people of the Jewish faith. They offered the family a free stay to demonstrate they do not discriminate. Booking.com removed the property from its platform following the incident. Dr. Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, expressed shock at the incident, even with the apology, and expects it to be examined for possible criminal consequences. Local prosecutors are investigating on suspicion of incitement to hatred, a crime in Germany that can carry up to a five-year prison sentence.