Key facts
- A hotel in southern Germany allegedly denied a booking to an Israeli family.
A hotel in southern Germany allegedly denied a booking to an Israeli family, stating 'sorry, there are no Jews allowed.' The hotel claims it was due to fraudulent bookings, but the incident has sparked outrage and a criminal investigation into potential incitement to hatred.
This incident highlights rising antisemitism in Europe and raises concerns about discrimination within the hospitality sector, potentially impacting tourism and international relations, while also prompting legal scrutiny under German hate speech laws.
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.
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