Swiss Hotel Closes Pool for 'Disinfection' After Jewish Guests Swim, Sparks Outrage

An Israeli family vacationing in Davos, Switzerland, faced discrimination after a hotel posted a sign stating the pool was closed for disinfection because "Jewish guests" had used it. Dudi, the father, his wife, and son stayed at a rental complex for eight days. The incident occurred when Dudi's wife, wearing a modest swimsuit common among religious women, was asked to leave the pool shortly after entering. The next day, a notice was displayed throughout the complex explaining the pool closure due to the presence of Jewish guests swimming in "regular clothes," which the hotel claimed violated hygiene rules.

The family was shocked and offended by the explicit mention of their Jewish identity in the notice. Dudi questioned why the sign singled out Jews instead of other religious groups. The hotel insisted that the wife entered the pool in everyday clothes rather than a swimsuit, which the family denied, stating her attire was a modest swimsuit recognized worldwide and never caused issues before.

The hotel’s letter, written in German, apologized for the inconvenience and explained that enhanced chlorine treatment would last several days to restore water quality. After leaving, the family was also asked to pay for the disinfection process and pool closure days, which Dudi refused, calling the demand insulting. He sent a strong protest message to the hotel and awaited their response. The family expressed deep hurt over the discriminatory treatment and public humiliation caused by the sign and payment demand.