Update: Here’s what a police investigation has revealed about the incident.
Yesterday I wrote about a story that’s so shocking that I almost find it hard to believe. I wanted to share the latest update on that…
In this post:
Westin Leipzig staff told guest to cover Star of David
German singer Gil Ofarim took to social media to share an experience he had while checking in at the Westin in Leipzig, Germany, where a front desk associate is accused of being openly anti-Semitic towards him. For context, Ofarim is Jewish, and wears a Star of David around his neck, which he says he has done for a long time.
Ofarim posted an emotional two minute video to Instagram where he’s clearly in shock and disbelief. Here’s a summary of his claims:
- Ofarim was checking into the Westin Leipzig, and there was a long line for check-in because the computers were down; he was understanding of that, since these kinds of issues happen
- When people were finally being helped, he noticed that others were being helped before him, out of order
- After about 15 minutes he asked why everyone else was being helped before him, and he was told that it was “to straighten the line”
- Around this time he heard someone yelling from the side “pack your star”
- At that point the manager at the front desk also said to him “pack your star,” and he was told that if he did so he’d be able to check-in
- Ofarim didn’t feel comfortable, so he left the hotel and chose to stay somewhere else
Below you can see the video of Ofarim’s story for yourself. And for those who don’t speak German, it’s worth noting that Ofarim is a native German speaker, so nothing was “lost in translation” here, at least from a language perspective.
What the hotel has to say about this incident
As you’d expect, the Westin Leipzig is getting a lot of backlash over this incident. Yesterday evening, 600 protestors gathered outside of the hotel in support of Ofarim. Interestingly hotel employees stood in front of the hotel during this protest with banners that had the flag of Israel and the crescent moon (hmm…).
The hotel has stated that it’s “concerned and alarmed by the intolerable accusations” of Ofarim, and that the hotel is investigating this right now. It’s also stated that the hotel employee in question has been put on leave until the investigation is completed.
Separately, the police has started an investigation, and wants to submit the case to the public prosecutor’s office for legal review.
Bild reports that hotel staff have a somewhat different version of events. According to that version, three guests were helped ahead of Ofarim, and then he grew angry, and there was “a battle of words.” According to this version, he was then asked to leave the hotel.
I’m curious what comes of this
We all know that there are terrible people out there… sadly that doesn’t come as a surprise. However, to hear that a front desk agent at a Marriott-family property refused to check someone in unless they removed their Star of David is beyond despicable.
It’s one thing if a hateful person were yelling that from somewhere in the hotel, but to have that reinforced by the staff of the hotel? I’m simply speechless.
I have no reason to doubt the claims that Ofarim is making — he comes across as sincere. At the same time I want to believe this isn’t real, because it’s just so terrible. And beyond how awful it is, it’s just so stupid. Did the front desk agent want to get fired, did s/he think Ofarim wouldn’t say anything, or what?
The claim from the hotel that this has nothing to do with the Star of David seems even more implausible, if you ask me:
- He got so angry at the staff that he was kicked out of the hotel?
- He completely made up claims about anyone saying about about the Star of David?
I hope that Marriott is transparent with this investigation, and that we find out what exactly transpired.
Bottom line
The Westin in Leipzig, Germany, is accused of a horrific act of anti-Semitism. According to a German musician, the hotel repeatedly skipped him for check-in when there was a line. When he eventually confronted the front desk about this, someone yelled that he should remove the Star of David from his neck. What’s even more shocking is that the front desk agent apparently made a similar request, saying he can be checked in once he removes it.
The hotel has now put the employee in question on leave. However, the hotel’s version of events is that he was kicked out of the hotel for getting into an argument over having to wait, and it doesn’t involve the Star of David at all.
I hope that Marriott conducts a quick and transparent investigation here, because the claims are beyond egregious.
(Tip of the hat to YHBU)
Hello, just wanted to give an update here: so for the past couple weeks there was a trial about a possible false statement.
Some more hearing days were scheduled until December 7th.
Gil Ofarim has just confessed that the accusations of anti-Semitism are a lie.
As a penalty, Gil Ofarim must pay €10,000 to charitable Jewish organizations within 6 months.
Time will tell whether he will be sued for damages by the Westin or...
Hello, just wanted to give an update here: so for the past couple weeks there was a trial about a possible false statement.
Some more hearing days were scheduled until December 7th.
Gil Ofarim has just confessed that the accusations of anti-Semitism are a lie.
As a penalty, Gil Ofarim must pay €10,000 to charitable Jewish organizations within 6 months.
Time will tell whether he will be sued for damages by the Westin or whether the employee concerned will file a lawsuit for defamation of character.
Ben, since it is now proven that Gil Ofarim lied it would be helpful to update the article. This Fake Story has shed bad light on us Germans! I have gotten so many messages from friends in the US when this happened back in October.
Thanks and kind regards from Germany,
Kevin
Now that his story turned out to be a complete lie, I wonder if that will be reported as well.
I don’t doubt for a second Mr. Ofarim’s version of events. I was in Germany for a trade show, not long after Germany welcomed more then a million Moslem refugees. Sitting in a restaurant around 8 pm, after a long day at the show, all tables were occupied by Arabic speaking gents and the only Germans were the waitresses. My travel bag had Hebrew writings from a travel agency in Israel. I was hackled and harassed throughout dinner. I ate fast and ran away for my life.
I don’t doubt for a second Mr. Ofarim’s version of events. I was in Germany for a trade show, not long after Germany welcomed more then a million Moslem refugees. Sitting in a restaurant around 8 pm, after a long day at the show, all tables were occupied by Arabic speaking gents and the only Germans were the waitresses. My travel bag had Hebrew writings from a travel agency in Israel. I was hackled and harassed throughout dinner. I ate fast and ran away for my life.
As Warner Wolf, a NYC sport broadcaster used to say “Let’s go to the videotape”. I am sure the hotel has video of events.
@Ben
Are you aware of the cases of frequent flyers being banned from the premises of Westin Leipzig (reported in large thread on VFT and FT)?
It seems you can add another name to that list: Piero Vecchioli, an agent/manager in the music business, was also banned from the hotel. He spoke to German TV station RTL about it. He is gay and he claims he got homophobic vibes from the hotel.
What's VFT?
MM is not Jewish but this is a typical social media bots who spread Jewish hate but say they are Jewish...
I would have gone absolutely nuts and started a huge fight with those anti semites. I’d have made the situation way worse.
Then I’m sure I’d be deported back to the USA and lose my German permit.
"He got so angry at the staff that he was kicked out of the hotel?"
From the perspective of a hotel manager, I don't find that weird at all. Belligerent guests being refused service, while not frequent, is not uncommon. And actually, guests accusing you of racism (or anti-Semitism in this case) if everything doesn't go 100% their way isn't uncommon either.
At this point it's he said/she said, but it'll be interesting to see...
"He got so angry at the staff that he was kicked out of the hotel?"
From the perspective of a hotel manager, I don't find that weird at all. Belligerent guests being refused service, while not frequent, is not uncommon. And actually, guests accusing you of racism (or anti-Semitism in this case) if everything doesn't go 100% their way isn't uncommon either.
At this point it's he said/she said, but it'll be interesting to see if there is security camera footage, and if it captured audio.
Germany has had far more anti Semitic incidents since Merkel let in over 1 million young Middle Eastern men in 2015, and there have even more since. I doubt all the check in staff were Ethnic German Christians.
Ah yes - those anti-Semitic Middle Easterners must be the reason... Ethnic German Christians would NEVER do such hateful acts. I mean, it's TOTALLY not like they collectively stood by as one of the worst genocides in recorded history took place in their neighbourhoods and cities....
Maybe remember that the Arabs were allies of Hitler, with Haj Amin al Husseini.
Oh man... imagine if I referred to Germans from 1940's as "Europeans"..... as in all Europeans were of the same mindset as Germans... how dumb would I sound? That's how you sound referring to "Arabs" as a singular group.
Regardless of their stance though... doesn't change the disgusting undertones in the original comment.
I experienced German hate-spotality when boarding a flight at FRA. The gate agent for the LH flight went out of his way to cause me problems, based on my name and appearance. It was obvious he was trying to get me to call him the German N word which could result in my being arrested. Instead I suggested he study WW2 history and look in the mirror.
Unbelievable this post created this conversation when there is absolutely no evidence of the incident. It’s an allegation.
False information spreads like wildfire on social media when people believe everything nowadays, which is one reason the world is in the mess it is. What a relief Facebook went down for a few hours.
Even if true, they then clamour for boycotting entire companies and assume all staff , including the Jewish ones ,...
Unbelievable this post created this conversation when there is absolutely no evidence of the incident. It’s an allegation.
False information spreads like wildfire on social media when people believe everything nowadays, which is one reason the world is in the mess it is. What a relief Facebook went down for a few hours.
Even if true, they then clamour for boycotting entire companies and assume all staff , including the Jewish ones , are racists. Sadly people throw about the race card all the time, especially when they don’t get to what they want.
The incident may or may not have happened. Perhaps he misunderstood or misheard. No one else will ever know.
If you read bild, there are two versions of this story, the first one is what's written here, the second version (according to the hotel) talks about how he got upset, argued with the personnel because others were helped before him (could that be based on status?). I would suggest to wait to see what the real story was. In general, antisemitism in Germany these days primarily comes from the muslim immigrants who consider jews...
If you read bild, there are two versions of this story, the first one is what's written here, the second version (according to the hotel) talks about how he got upset, argued with the personnel because others were helped before him (could that be based on status?). I would suggest to wait to see what the real story was. In general, antisemitism in Germany these days primarily comes from the muslim immigrants who consider jews their arch enemies. However, right wingers also are a problem, as they go against anyone that appears foreign.
Let’s see how strong Marriott comes to th defense of their customer. I don’t hold out much hope.
Pending an investigation, I am willing to assume this happened as described.
I find it very interesting that the perceived anti-Semitism in this area is so pure. I speak German fluently and this Gentleman comes across in appearance, dress and accent as being as German as could be, except for the star.
Shame on the East Germans and yes, shame on Marriot, pending further actions.
You might want to reconsider your ever again suggesting that someone would appear "as German as could be, except for the star." That ideology ended well in the 1940s.
I am not discussing ideology. I have spent many nights and weeks in Germany (formerly West Germany) and when walking in the street you are aware that you are in Germany, not, for example, Italy. There is a common appearance and language that even a foreigner can perceive.
If my post came across in a way that made you uncomfortable, I apologize for how you feel. A study of history will show you that the...
I am not discussing ideology. I have spent many nights and weeks in Germany (formerly West Germany) and when walking in the street you are aware that you are in Germany, not, for example, Italy. There is a common appearance and language that even a foreigner can perceive.
If my post came across in a way that made you uncomfortable, I apologize for how you feel. A study of history will show you that the Germans of WW2 did not follow appearance, they followed the blood.
I converted to Judaism in order to marry my husband. A whole new world, one that I had never known existed, was revealed to me. It had been there all along, right next to my world, completely invisible to people who aren’t obviously or visibly Jewish.
I soon learned to stop telling people my story, to stop telling people that I had converted to Judaism. I was sick to my stomach of the slurs,...
I converted to Judaism in order to marry my husband. A whole new world, one that I had never known existed, was revealed to me. It had been there all along, right next to my world, completely invisible to people who aren’t obviously or visibly Jewish.
I soon learned to stop telling people my story, to stop telling people that I had converted to Judaism. I was sick to my stomach of the slurs, the calls to my boss asking for a different home health nurse (“not some kike”), the anger, the hatred. I soon learned not to wear the Magen David that my husband gave me as a conversion gift, unless I was willing to engage in conversation with one or two assholes.
Just because you can’t imagine it doesn’t me it’s not happening.
This is horrible…and the guy comes across as very kind, compassionate and calm….do not understand what “NeverInDoubt” is talking about……do not see anything about “anti-vaxxer” cause and effect?????
Just an awful story. While Germany has made tons of stride since the overt days of fascism and anti-antisemitism, it has not died there (as people seems to erroneously think) or in man parts of the world. We see it rise up again and again in Germany and other countries. Such a shame.....maybe some day in human history, people of all races, sexual orientations and beliefs can just appreciate, help and get along with each...
Just an awful story. While Germany has made tons of stride since the overt days of fascism and anti-antisemitism, it has not died there (as people seems to erroneously think) or in man parts of the world. We see it rise up again and again in Germany and other countries. Such a shame.....maybe some day in human history, people of all races, sexual orientations and beliefs can just appreciate, help and get along with each other. But, I don't hold out much hope, certainly not in my lifetime.
I have 2 words for this:
JUSSIE SMOLLETT
Something tells me this story is not so black and white. I find it hard to comprehend how a manager of a large chain in this social media age don't think it would get back to them. Maybe there is a pre altercation we don't know about but it sounds fishy. I would think especially in Germany where people have learned to be tolerant that bystanders wouldn't let comments like that fly. So need more info.
Jussie Smollett?
Althea Bernstein
As you are no doubt alluding to, there are multiple examples of people across the various political spectrums who have either exaggerated or fabricated a situation to falsely claim they have been victimized. That's why I'm certain we all agree that the seriousness of this claim merits an investigation.
And once it has been investigated and the claims they made are found to be false, then they in turn should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Just like Jessie Smollett....oh wait.
There are two sides to every story. ALWAYS
"When people were finally being helped, he noticed that others were being helped before him, out of order"
Westin Clerk: We reserve priority assistance for our Starwood Preferred members.
I'm not sure that ever happens, they won't even know your status until you check-in and there is no priority counter for members (or if there is, non members also rush it).
Whilst appalling if true, this is the problem with social media. If you check Twitter there are people who then say the entire hotel group is racist, the usual boycott Westin blah blah. Does that include the Jewish staff ? It’s an unsubstantiated rumour that of course spreads like wildfire. One bad employee does not mean all the other hundreds of 1000s are the same. Moreover, this will never be proven, so the company can...
Whilst appalling if true, this is the problem with social media. If you check Twitter there are people who then say the entire hotel group is racist, the usual boycott Westin blah blah. Does that include the Jewish staff ? It’s an unsubstantiated rumour that of course spreads like wildfire. One bad employee does not mean all the other hundreds of 1000s are the same. Moreover, this will never be proven, so the company can apologise and will no doubt email all the staff to ensure they are mindful of what they say. As an aside, I’ve met non Jewish people who wear the star of David.
A bit more color in the BILD article - the manager Mr. W said he was skipped to 'straighten the queue' - then someone shouted to pack the star. And then Mr. W said to pack the star.
https://www-bild-de.translate.goog/regional/leipzig/leipzig-news/leipzig-gil-ofarim-wegen-seines-davidsterns-diskriminiert-77873574.bild.html?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=nui,sc
Perhaps I am misunderstanding your point.
If you are defending the manager since he was not the first to ask the Star of David be covered, that in and of itself is the wrong response. My appearance, way of dress and religion is Jewish. In a Sheraton in FRA years ago a not sober American person in the bar made a disrespectful comment to me. I ignored the sodden fool but the bartender and Hotel Manager made it their duty to approach me and apologize.
I once was traveling with my brother and we were treated badly because the small hotel staff thought we were gay. They treated us better the next morning after they learned in that we were brothers. My brother made it a point to ask for something, saying "for my brother and me" to hint that we are not a gay couple. Terrible.
He didn't have the courage to say "even if we were...."
Well at least in German stereotype fashion they were quite direct about their bigotry rather than deflecting it.
Easier to deal with and address a direct bigot than a passive one.
Who did this ?
Coward !!!!
Leipzig is in the former East Germany, and East Germany tends to be more anti-Semitic and anti-immigrant as well. Doesn't excuse that awful situation, however.
Leipzig is a stronghold of left wing extremists (yes, they are antisemites) and islamists!
THESE two ideologies are the main sources of most antisemitism incidents in germany.
lol left wingers are not anti-semites, time to retreat back to your conservative hole
lol then why is it always left wingers who vote against Israel in Congress?
Because it isn't anti-semetic to be anti-Israel in its current right wing, militaristic and discriminatory form, as my jewish family and many left wing jewish friends who would also vote against providing aid to israeli weapons purchases in the face of widespread international censure can attest.
Anti-Israel = Pro-Muslim, Pro-Hamas
Muslim/Hamas = Religion/Group of people that wants every Jew (or non-Muslim for that matter) executed under the name of Jihad.
Israel = country of the Jews.
So yes. Anti-Israel means you want every Jew dead and thus equals Anti-Semetism.
Agreed. I think one can protest the political and militaristic actions of a government, but discrimination against people cannot be warranted - in this case on the basis of religion. It is no different to protesting the Trump (or Biden) government but still loving the people of the USA. If the allegations are true, then the hotel staff clearly crossed a line and should be forced to take on a cultural sympathetic training course. The...
Agreed. I think one can protest the political and militaristic actions of a government, but discrimination against people cannot be warranted - in this case on the basis of religion. It is no different to protesting the Trump (or Biden) government but still loving the people of the USA. If the allegations are true, then the hotel staff clearly crossed a line and should be forced to take on a cultural sympathetic training course. The harsh reality is that there are probably many people in the service industry with prejudices. We all have to work together to break down these boundaries.
There's no way you are Jewish, you have to be lying about your "Jewish family." Looking at your later comments, you defend the hotel because of US anti-vax extremists. That is insane. Any Jewish person or someone with Jewish family would never defend the hotel's actions the way you are. Ridicolous.
You are not Jewish and we are all too familiar with the lies of Arab bots who are paid to spread hate in social media and claim they are "Jewish but fair"/
Israel without weapons=no Jewish state.
As a Jew, you should be ashamed of yourself.
It’s not Israel’s fault that their neighbor(“Palestine”) is a terror state ruled by a terror regime.
Try to live here and see for yourself, before making dumb conclusions.
for murdering Palestinians and stealing their land.
Left-wingers aren't anti-Semites? Are you kidding me? All you need to do is look at the entire Ben & Jerry's Board of Directors, including the ultra-leftist chairwoman. Or how about AOC, Rashida Tlaib, and Ilhan Omar? I'm a liberal Democrat (although the far lefties probably think that I'm a moderate because I actually think about issues rather than having a Pavlovian reaction to everything), and I see the extreme left in my party becoming more...
Left-wingers aren't anti-Semites? Are you kidding me? All you need to do is look at the entire Ben & Jerry's Board of Directors, including the ultra-leftist chairwoman. Or how about AOC, Rashida Tlaib, and Ilhan Omar? I'm a liberal Democrat (although the far lefties probably think that I'm a moderate because I actually think about issues rather than having a Pavlovian reaction to everything), and I see the extreme left in my party becoming more and more anti-Semitic and anti-Israel every day. It disgusts me.
You should just vote like the Republican you apparently are, then! Ship has sailed on the neoliberal Clinton era version of the party, sorry.
Being anti-Semitic and anti-Israel is not the same thing.
You seem like a conservative posing as a liberal, just so you can try and get away with what you are posting.
No it's not. Leipzig is literally the stronghold for AfD--the exact opposite of what you are suggesting--but still anti-Semitic. Saxony voted almost 30% for AfD in the most recent election.
If you look at the results for Leipzig they are still pretty high for AfD however more than 5-10 points below the state average. It's usually the more rural areas that are AfD strongholds. Leipzig II actually went to "Die Linke" (left, socialists), Leipzig I to CDU. None of the larger cities in Saxony (Leipzig, Dresden, Chemnitz, Zwickau) had an AfD majority.
"The German police recorded a total of 2,351 anti-Semitic incidents in 2020. Of these, 95 percent, or 2,224, were committed by right-wing extremists."
I wonder if the clerk wasn't part of these migrants welcomed by Merkel.
If the story is true, somebody is getting fired here. Antisemitism in Germany is no joke and is punishable by law.
My only tentative response might be that in the US, a lot of anti-vaxx protesters are (in incredibly poor taste) wearing stars of david right now to indicate that what they are facing in terms of vaccine mandates is comparable to what Jews faced during the Holocaust. I can see how that might now go down well in Germany and how (right now) it might be interpreted as such.
No way is someone in Leipzig, Germany doing something in reaction to having heard about some American idiot’s anti-vax protest effort.
I have no idea what actually happened, but your cause and effect theory is nonsense.
Thanks you seem very friendly, let's do this again sometime you charmer. xoxo
So glad we made a connection over your ridiculous nonsense theory.
Come here often?
Of course, but usually to contribute something or read reviews, not call other people childish names.
The Squad is made up of Jew Haters.
Anybody has the right to criticize Israel. The Squad will be responsible if Trump comes back to power and for the Democrats loosing the House.
Independent voters overwhelming find the Squad repulsive.
Is it poor education that creates so many Americans can’t differentiate between being Jewish and the country of Israel? All you posters conflating voting against Israel policy being antisemitic just amazes me. Please at least make an attempt to educate yourselves. Americans should understand it. The rest of the world was turning their backs on America during the Trump era, not hating the people of America.
No it’s anti semitism period. Issac Herzog - president of Israel is in the Ukraine today commemorating the 80 th anniversary of Babi Yar. Where 30 thousand Jews were removed from their houses and slaughtered in a large pit over a two day period. The last survivor who was six at the time recalls his mother passing out as she watched his younger sister suffocated and stomped to death so as not to waste bullets....
No it’s anti semitism period. Issac Herzog - president of Israel is in the Ukraine today commemorating the 80 th anniversary of Babi Yar. Where 30 thousand Jews were removed from their houses and slaughtered in a large pit over a two day period. The last survivor who was six at the time recalls his mother passing out as she watched his younger sister suffocated and stomped to death so as not to waste bullets. Israel is for the protection of Jews worldwide when they have nowhere to go. Anti semitism is real and so is anti Israel and they are very much connected.
Yeah, but turning a blind eye to the fact that a lot (a lot) of "criticism" against Israel is based on the fact that it is the jewish state, and therefore a target for anti-jewish sentiment in the radical right and left is not helpful.
Just follow the truth and the facts, not some make believe narrative.
No, most of the criticism is for how Israel is involved in land expulsion and ethnic cleansing, the way it treats it's own Palestinian citizens as second class citizens, etc.
Not much to do with it being Jewish.
Most of the criticism is misplaced.
Land is not seized unless there were ownership contracts prior to 1948 or the land was sold by the Arab owner to a Jew, then it is called ethnic cleansing. This, in the USA would be called a routine real estate transaction.
Entrance to stores, malls, airports and bus stations is with routine security checks, much as our airports. The checks are routine and to anyone. Why...
Most of the criticism is misplaced.
Land is not seized unless there were ownership contracts prior to 1948 or the land was sold by the Arab owner to a Jew, then it is called ethnic cleansing. This, in the USA would be called a routine real estate transaction.
Entrance to stores, malls, airports and bus stations is with routine security checks, much as our airports. The checks are routine and to anyone. Why people harp on this as a crime is beyond me. The Israeli people want to keep living.
The Jews that trusted others to do the right thing dies in Concentration camps.
If these facts are not your version do your own research and discover the truth, wherever that might lead you.
Not as repulsive as you seem to find them. You seem to really dislike non-White non-Christian women for some reason?
You weren’t called a name.
Your original comment was called ridiculous nonsense. Which it was.