Man Claims Hotel Led Him to Homophobic Attacker in Jerusalem

David Lerner, a 28-year-old musician from Tel Aviv, alleges he was subjected to a severe homophobic attack at a prominent Jerusalem hotel while vacationing with his mother. Lerner reported that a man approached him near the smoking area, threatening him with death if he returned to the pool area wearing swim trunks, known as a "Speedo." Lerner claims he reported the threat to hotel management, who then escorted him, accompanied by security guards, back to the pool area to identify the aggressor. Upon arrival, Lerner states he was subjected to intense homophobic slurs by the man and his family. When Lerner began filming the verbal abuse, the attacker's partner allegedly knocked his phone away. Shortly after, the attacker reportedly pushed Lerner and punched him twice in the forehead. Lerner sought medical attention at a hospital and filed a police report, describing ongoing physical pain and psychological trauma from the incident. He decided to publicize the event to raise awareness about violence against the LGBTQ+ community in Israel.

Lerner's attorney, Assaf Sharaff, asserted that the hotel endangered his client by leading him directly to the individual who had threatened him, instead of providing protection. Sharaff added that the hotel allowed the attacker and his family to remain on the premises even after the assault. The attorney is considering legal action against the hotel for negligence, arguing that guests are entitled to safety and that the hotel failed to protect Lerner after being informed of the threat. Police sources indicated that the aggressor was a tourist, not an Israeli resident, who was questioned and removed from the premises following the complaint. The hotel issued a statement condemning violence and confirming that the police were called and the matter was handled with utmost seriousness.