Couple's Italian Honeymoon Cooking Class Canceled Over Israeli Flag

A newlywed Israeli-American couple experienced a deeply upsetting incident during their honeymoon in Italy when a cooking class they booked through Airbnb was canceled at the last minute due to the Israeli flag displayed on their profile picture. Carmit Levy, 35, from Florida, and her husband, a resident of Kibbutz Ein Gev, had their pasta-making workshop booking revoked by the host, identified only as Nico. The host cited "ethical and family reasons" for the cancellation, later clarifying in messages that the Israeli flag on Levy's profile picture was the cause, stating it "deeply touched" them and they preferred not to proceed with the booking.

Levy expressed outrage and felt discriminated against, calling the host's actions "blatant discrimination" and "antisemitism." She stated, "I'm furious, and I want the world to know about this antisemitism." The host, however, pushed back, suggesting Levy was the one who should be ashamed for bringing her "political views" into the experience and forcing them to take a political stance.

Following the host's refusal to proceed, Levy threatened to file a complaint with Airbnb. The couple has since been trying to get a resolution from Airbnb's customer service, but Levy reported significant delays and unfulfilled promises of contact from a "special team." She expressed disappointment with the platform's handling of the situation, noting that the booking was canceled but the exact circumstances and who made the final decision remained unclear due to the lack of communication from Airbnb.