Israeli Couple Harassed in Vienna, Police Response Criticized
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
An Israeli couple, Hadar and Chen Barti, were subjected to harassment and threats by a stranger at their Vienna Airbnb. The stranger banged on their door, shouted anti-Zionist slurs, and was seen with tools. The couple reported that the local police were unhelpful and even angered by their calls. The incident ruined their vacation, and the Airbnb host refused to offer a refund.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- An Israeli couple in Vienna was harassed by a stranger shouting anti-Zionist slogans.
- The couple reported that the local police were unhelpful and angered by their calls for assistance.
- The stranger was seen with tools after banging on the couple's door.
- The incident caused the couple to relocate to a hotel and ruined their vacation.
- The Airbnb host refused to provide a refund for the remaining nights of their stay.
An Israeli couple, Hadar and Chen Barti from Ashkelon, experienced a frightening incident while on vacation in Vienna, Austria. While staying in an Airbnb near a synagogue, a stranger began banging forcefully on their door around 6 p.m. on Saturday. When the husband inquired about the person's identity, the stranger became angry and shouted, "Zionists, conquering Zionists," according to Hadar.
Fearing for their safety, the couple initially tried to contact the Israeli embassy through family. After the man descended the stairs, they saw him hiding with tools, prompting them to call the police. Responding officers told the couple the man was not present and to call again if he returned. He did return, and when the couple called the police in distress, they were reportedly angered by the call, according to Hadar, who described the situation as "surreal" and "simply scary."
After the incident, the couple relocated to a hotel with the help of a local Israeli couple. They expressed that the experience ruined their vacation. Hadar also contacted the Airbnb host to request a refund for the remaining nights, citing the frightening experience, but the host refused, stating that Airbnb had already processed the payment and she could not issue a refund.
The couple, who are residents of Ashkelon, expressed a sense of déjà vu, noting that they had not always had an easy time in their hometown. They are grateful they are safe but are struggling to enjoy the remainder of their trip.
