Disputed Jewish summer camp attendees disembarked from a flight in Valencia due to antisemitism accusations levied against them.
In an unexpected turn of events, around 50 Jewish summer camp children were removed from a Vueling flight on July 23, due to disruptive behaviour on board. The incident, which took place during a mandatory safety demonstration, has sparked a wave of allegations of antisemitism from parents, camp organizers, and political figures.
According to reports, the children were singing Hebrew songs and wearing religious symbols, such as Star of David jewellery, at the time. Vueling, however, categorically denied that the flight crew's decision was based on religious beliefs. Instead, the airline stated that the group compromised passenger safety due to their actions during the safety demonstration, leading to the intervention of the Guardia Civil and their subsequent disembarkation.
One minor on the flight stated that the group had occupied their seats peacefully. However, a teenager shared that a friend may have said a Hebrew word too loudly, causing the flight attendants to warn the group they would involve the police if the noise continued. Vueling requested the intervention of the Civil Guard police force.
The incident did not occur due to religious beliefs, according to Vueling's statement. Accounts from Jewish media allege that airline staff made incendiary statements, such as labelling Israel a "terrorist state," towards the group. The Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain (FCJE) expressed concern and contacted Vueling for clarification on the events aboard the plane. The camp asserted that the incident stemmed from antisemitic attitudes displayed by the staff involved.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry, along with the Israeli Embassy in Madrid, remains in constant contact with airport authorities after the incident. Amichai Chikli, Israel's Diaspora Affairs Minister, claimed that the director was beaten and that the children were singing Hebrew songs on the plane. A video on the Internet shows a woman being arrested by Spanish police at the airport terminal floor, identified as the director of the Kinneret summer camp.
The removal of the children from the flight has led to a call for thorough investigations from Israeli and French officials to determine whether the children were discriminated against because of their religion. The French government has demanded explanations from Vueling. The camp’s lawyers plan to file a complaint citing physical, psychological violence, and religious discrimination.
While Vueling and Spanish authorities maintain the removal was due to disruptive conduct, the Jewish community, parents, and some officials see it as an antisemitic incident pending investigation. The FCJE believes Vueling is responsible for providing immediate and transparent explanations, as well as conducting an internal review to determine whether there was an inadequate protocol.
In response to the incident, Israel, the Foreign Ministry, and Israeli missions around the world will continue to act and provide assistance to Israelis and Jews in distress wherever they may be.
[1] News Source 1 [2] News Source 2 [3] News Source 3 [4] News Source 4 (Optional, if available)
- The incident, initially sparked by disruptive behavior, has now expanded into a broader controversy, as some accuse Vueling of allowing politics, such as alleged antisemitic comments by staff, to seep into general-news coverage about the removal of Jewish summer camp children from their flight.
- Some reports suggest that the holiday disrupted by Vueling's actions may continue to be marred by the aftermath, as crime-and-justice concerns, including allegations of religious discrimination, are investigated by authorities in Israel and France.
