Antisemitism continues to rear its ugly head in various forms, even in the realm of hospitality and accommodation.
Recently, an Israeli tourist, Dr. Darya Maoz, faced a shocking and discriminatory experience when her Airbnb booking in Oxford, England, was abruptly canceled.
Dr. Maoz, an author and anthropologist, had planned a peaceful vacation and booked an apartment two months in advance. H
However, just a week before her arrival, she received an unexpected message from the property owner, asking her to cancel her reservation upon discovering her Israeli nationality.
The host wrote, “Hello, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you are coming from Israel. Could you please book a different house? I will give you a full refund.”
When Dr. Maoz responded that it was impossible to find an alternative on such short notice, the host insisted, stating, “I’m sorry, but I can not condone the war. I have my principles, I am a Muslim. I can not allow that.”
Dr. Maoz, rightfully appalled by this blatant discrimination, described her shock at receiving such a message. “Who would believe I would receive such a message, canceling our reservation right before our trip, for such a racist and antisemitic reason?” she told Ynet. Despite her efforts, finding a comparable accommodation on short notice was nearly impossible, with only remote and expensive options available.
Airbnb’s condemned the incident, suspended the listing, and found Dr. Maoz a nearby alternative, even covering the price difference. However, this incident highlights a larger issue of antisemitism that cannot be ignored.
We must demand that Airbnb take stronger, proactive measures to prevent such discriminatory practices.
It’s essential for the company to enforce stricter monitoring and ensure that hosts adhere to policies prohibiting racism and antisemitism. Airbnb must publicly denounce and ban such actions and reaffirm their commitment to inclusivity and fairness.
Email Airbnb at contact.press@airbnb.com
Sample email
Subject: Urgent Action Needed: Strengthening Policies Against Discrimination
Dear Airbnb Team,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding recent reports of discrimination against Jewish travelers, exemplified by Dr. Darya Maoz’s experience in Oxford.
I urge you to take stronger measures to combat antisemitism on your platform. It is imperative that Airbnb reinforces its policies and bans iscrimination, educates hosts comprehensively on these guidelines, and implements robust penalties for violations.
This proactive approach will safeguard Airbnb’s commitment to inclusivity and ensure that all travelers feel safe and respected when using your services.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]