Man Alleges Homophobic Attack at Jerusalem Hotel Pool After Being Led to Assailant

David Lerner, a 28-year-old musician from Tel Aviv, reported a severe homophobic attack at a well-known Jerusalem hotel where he was staying with his mother. Lerner claims that after being threatened by another guest who warned him he "would not leave the hotel alive" if he returned to the pool in swim trunks, he reported the incident to hotel management. Instead of protecting him, Lerner alleges the hotel escorted him, accompanied by security guards, back to the pool area to identify the aggressor.

Upon confronting the individual, Lerner states he was subjected to intense homophobic slurs by the man and his family. When Lerner began recording the incident, the assailant's partner allegedly knocked his phone away. Shortly after, the assailant reportedly pushed Lerner and punched him twice in the forehead, according to Lerner's account. The musician sought medical attention at a hospital and filed a police complaint.

Lerner described the aftermath as traumatic, experiencing severe headaches, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. He decided to publicize the event to raise awareness about violence against the LGBTQ+ community in Israel. His lawyer, Assaf Sharaff, is pursuing a civil lawsuit, asserting the hotel endangered his client by leading him directly to the person who had threatened him, rather than ensuring his safety. The lawyer emphasized that hotels have a duty to protect guests after receiving threats.

The hotel management issued a statement condemning violence and confirming that police were called and the matter was handled with utmost seriousness. The police have not yet released a statement.