Spain's Jewish teens facing criticism due to French disapproval of comments made by a Spanish minister
In an unexpected turn of events, a diplomatic strain has developed between France and Spain following the removal of 44 French Jewish teenagers and their counselors from a flight to Paris at Valencia airport on July 23.
The latest statement from the French government strongly condemns the removal of the teenagers and criticizes Spain's Transport Minister Oscar Puente for his remarks equating the French Jewish teens with "Israeli kids." France deemed Puente's comments discriminatory and unjustified the harsh treatment they endured, with French ministers Aurore Berge and Benjamin Haddad firmly condemning the Spanish minister's statement.
The airline involved, Vueling, justified its decision to remove the group by alleging that the teenagers tampered with passenger safety equipment, posing a high risk to the aircraft, passengers, and crew. However, these claims are contested by the summer camp organizer and some eyewitnesses. An internal investigation by the airline remains ongoing.
Vueling emphasized that the passengers were disembarked exclusively for safety reasons. The incident saw the teenagers attempting to take life jackets, tamper with the overhead oxygen masks, remove the high-pressure oxygen cylinder, and disrupt the safety demonstration. However, conflicting reports from fellow passengers regarding the group's behavior have surfaced.
The French ministers also criticized the use of force by Spain's Guardia Civil against one of the trip's counselors, who was reportedly injured during the incident. In response, Spain's Transport Minister Oscar Puente initially posted and then deleted a controversial social media message calling on Spanish patriots to support the airline Vueling against what he termed support for the "Israeli brats."
Puente's comments escalated tensions between France and Spain and drew wide criticism, including a correction from Yad Vashem Spain. The Club Kineret association, which organized the summer camp, announced its intention to file a complaint against the airline "for physical and psychological violence and discrimination based on religion."
As the situation unfolds, both countries grapple with the implications of the incident and the inflammatory comments made by Puente. The airline's internal investigation and potential legal action from the summer camp organizer promise to shed more light on the incident in the coming days.
- The controversy surrounding the removal of the French Jewish teenagers has sparked intense debate in the realm of both politics and general news, with French ministers strongly condemning Spain's actions and comments.
- In the midst of this diplomatic strain, Spain's Transport Minister, Oscar Puente, faced media scrutiny when his remarks were deemed discriminatory, escalating tensions further between the two countries.
- As the airline involved, Vueling, continues its internal investigation, news outlets are closely monitoring developments in this conflict, awaiting the potential consequences for both the airline and the involved parties.
