Israeli Cancels Naples Hotel Booking After Pro-BDS Political Message

An Israeli woman from central Israel, identified as R., canceled her hotel reservation in Naples, Italy, after receiving a message from the Decumani Hotel De Charme expressing support for the "No Room for Genocide" campaign, which is associated with the BDS movement and pro-Palestinian organizations. R. had planned to visit Naples with her husband, who was attending a conference there. Upon booking, she provided her personal details, including her Israeli nationality, and shortly afterward received a message from the hotel stating its support for the campaign, which opposes Israeli policies and advocates for Palestinian rights.

The hotel message emphasized respect for human rights and welcomed Palestinians, refugees, and peaceful opponents of oppression. Although the hotel did not explicitly bar her from staying, the political stance made R. feel unsafe, prompting her to cancel the trip. She told N12 that the message diminished her enthusiasm for the trip and negatively affected her mood even before traveling. R. also noted that Booking.com, the platform through which she made the reservation, had not yet responded to her complaint.

This incident follows a similar case in May involving another Israeli woman named Hodia, who planned to vacation in Tuscany. The host at Agriturismo Le Cantine demanded she declare opposition to the Israeli government’s policies as a condition for her family’s stay, referencing Israel’s reaction after October 7. Hodia canceled her booking and filed a complaint with Booking.com, questioning the fairness of political discrimination against guests.

These events highlight tensions arising from the BDS-linked campaigns targeting Israeli travelers and businesses in Italy, reflecting broader conflicts over the Israeli-Palestinian situation and its impact on tourism and hospitality sectors.