An Israeli couple faced the shocking experience of being denied their stay at the Hotel Garni Ongaro, located in Selva di Cadore, Italy, when the manager made inflammatory remarks implying responsibility for genocide amid the tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict.
The couple had made their reservation through Booking.com, planning for a two-night getaway at the picturesque mountain hotel. Just one day before their scheduled arrival, they received a message from the hotel stating, "Good morning. We inform you the Israeli people as those responsible for genocide are not welcome customers in our structure." This incident not only denied them their stay but highlighted the disturbing rise of antisemitism sparked by the current Middle East conflict.
The hotel manager went on to suggest they could cancel their reservation without penalty, but the damage was done. Following this incident, the hotel removed its listing from Booking.com, reflecting growing backlash against such discriminatory practices.
Dario Calimani, president of the Jewish Community of Venice, expressed deep sadness over the hotel’s claims, noting how demeaning it is to spread hatred against all Israelis simply because one disagrees with actions taken by the Israeli government. He opined, "When you don’t agree with what Israel does, you spread hatred against all Israelis. This is unacceptable."
The timing of this incident coincided with broader conversations around antisemitism, particularly as the Israeli Foreign Ministry launched its own inquiry to address the incident. Luca Zaia, governor of the Veneto region, remarked on the seriousness of the event, emphasizing how Veneto should represent open doors to everyone, regardless of nationality or circumstance.
It’s important to recognize this isn’t just about one couple denied lodging. It reflects larger trends, as reports indicate rising levels of antisemitism across Italy. Observatories monitoring hate incidents have documented incidents spiraling sharply over the past year, with weekly antisemitic occurrences now averaging between 80 to 90 reports, compared to 30 previously.
This surge has been evident through various channels, including recent vandalism of pro-Israeli murals and attacks on Jewish community spaces. For some, such acts remind painful incidents from the past, leading many to feel increasingly unsafe and unwelcome.
Jewish groups across Italy have condemned the treatment of the couple, and Andres Krey, head of the Jewish Community of Rome, stated, "During these difficult times, it is imperative to stand united against antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hatred. The actions of the hotel reflect not only ignorance but also the deep-rooted prejudices many are grappling with today."
The couple’s rejection did not just end with their reservation. It unfolded against the backdrop of sensitive discussions around the wider plight of hostages and Israeli involvement at the Vatican, where released hostages were meeting with Pope Francis and Italian officials. This meeting aimed to shed light on the hostage crisis born from the conflict, with families of hostages seeking to amplify the urgency of their plight.
Among the family members was Yelena Troufanov, who was previously freed from Hamas captivity but whose son remains confined, drawing attention to the heartbreaking stories intertwining with geopolitics.
Such disturbing incidents create ripples beyond travel inconvenience. They symbolize growing intolerance and the frightening repercussions of current conflicts on personal interactions and societal attitudes. How do we, as communities, respond to the challenges posed by rising hate during times of tension? This question rallies advocates for change, who believe we must actively challenge discrimination, lest our world devolve even more.
With the hotel manager reportedly deactivativeing his social media accounts, and Booking.com pledging swift action against discrimination, the hope remains for lessons learned. "We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind" the company stated, reflecting the need for accountability to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
The couple’s experience serves as a reminder of the complications borne from global conflicts. While travel should be about exploration and bridge-building, events like this remind us to look inward, questioning how we can create inclusive environments instead of closing off spaces to entire identities.
This scenario not only highlights personal distress and marginalization but also reveals how societal attitudes can shift during geopolitical turmoil. The eruption of public outrage often becomes the spark for broader conversations about acceptance and tolerance. With several Jewish organizations speaking out against the incident at the hotel, the dialogue is rapidly intensifying.
Now, more than ever, people must engage in discussions around inclusivity and human rights as the world watches the consequences of conflict play out, not just on battlefields, but also on our social constructs.
