Israeli Man Sues Berlin Restaurant for Alleged Discrimination Over Identity

An Israeli resident of Germany has filed a lawsuit against a restaurant in Berlin, claiming he was discriminated against due to his Israeli identity. The incident occurred in February at a restaurant in the Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood when the man ordered food and pronounced "hummus" with an Israeli accent. According to his account, the waiter criticized his pronunciation, stating the Arabic word is pronounced differently, then revealed the restaurant was Palestinian. The waiter reportedly became rude, refused to serve him after learning he was Israeli, and signaled for him to leave. When asked if the refusal was because he was Israeli, the waiter allegedly said it was due to his perceived political stance supporting Israel.

Following the incident, the Israeli man contacted Ofek e.V., a counseling center supporting victims of antisemitic violence and discrimination. With their assistance, he filed a lawsuit at the Berlin District Court, accusing the restaurant employee of ethnic discrimination and antisemitism. He initially complained to the restaurant and requested an apology, but received no response. He described the experience as "very humiliating," emphasizing his belief that food should unite people and build bridges.

Marina Chernovski, CEO of Ofek, stated the case exemplifies many discrimination incidents the center has supported since October 7. She highlighted the increasing social isolation and exclusion faced by Israelis and Jews in Germany, noting that antisemitism restricts equal participation in social life through both overt hostility and subtle discrimination.