Booking.com Warns Italian Hotel After Refusing Israeli Guest Over Gaza

An Israeli tourist, Simcha Goldstein, was denied a booking at the NAPOLI MOOD Il Golfo Apartments in Naples, Italy, through Booking.com after the owner cited "genocide in Gaza" as the reason for refusal. Goldstein had booked the apartment, and his reservation was confirmed. However, shortly after inquiring about check-in, he received a message from the property owner via Booking.com's messaging system stating, "You can cancel the booking. I do not accept citizens of countries guilty of genocide." The message clearly indicated that the refusal was based on Goldstein's Israeli nationality.

Following the incident, Shai Glick, CEO of the "BeTzalmo" organization, demanded that Booking.com remove the apartments from its platform and block further bookings. Glick emphasized that the refusal constituted national origin discrimination and violated the company's own policies. Booking.com responded by reminding its partners that they must adhere to policies prohibiting discrimination and issued a warning to the Naples property owner.

The company stated that further measures could be taken if similar incidents occur. However, Booking.com did not confirm whether the specific listing or its owner would be blocked or removed, leaving the official warning as the only immediate consequence for the owner. Representatives for NAPOLI MOOD Il Golfo Apartments did not respond to journalistic inquiries.

This incident occurs amidst reports of rising anti-Israeli sentiment in Italy. Previously, social media posts encouraging the reporting of Israeli and Jewish tourists' locations in accommodations and vacation spots circulated. Although these posts were removed after authorities intervened, Jewish community leaders have expressed concern about an alarming trend and an increase in hostile attitudes towards Israelis.