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Anti-Semitism against Gil Ofarim? Leipzig hotel under police protection
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By Nico Zeißler
Leipzig – Serious anti-Semitism allegations by Gil Ofarim (39). The musician is said to have been denied check-in in a renowned Leipzig hotel because he was wearing a Star of David. The hotel has commented on the case and is under police protection.
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Gil Ofarim (39) is sitting in front of a hotel in Leipzig. He is said to have experienced anti-Semitism at check-in. © Instagram / gilofarim
On Tuesday morning, the “Let’s Dance” winner of 2017 published one Video via his Instagram account, in which he looks visibly dejected and stunned.
“I’m speechless,” he begins his statement. He wanted to enter the Westin Hotel and check in on Monday evening after standing in front of the camera for an MDR recording.
There was a long queue at the front desk due to computer problems. At the counter there was an employee called Mr. W. who “preferred one person to the other” to Ofarim.
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After a quarter of an hour he wanted to inquire why he had to wait and why guests who appeared later were allowed to check in before him: “That is not okay!”
The receptionist replied: “To straighten the queue.” The singer noted that he was also standing in line.
“And someone from the corner shouts: ‘Pack your star!'” He is said to have referred to the 39-year-old’s chain on which a Star of David – the symbol of Judaism – hangs. Also “Mr. W.” is said to have said “pack your star”. Only then is he allowed to check in.
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Gil Ofarims Statement im Video:
Statement from the Westin Hotel: “We are working flat out to determine what happened here!”
The Westin Hotel in Leipzig. This is where the incident is said to have taken place. © IMAGO / VIADATA
Gil Ofarim – son of the Israeli singer Abi Ofarim († 80) – ends his video in which he apparently has to shed tears several times with the words: “Really? Germany 2021 …”
Under the post he wrote: “why? .. haven’t we learned anything from the past? .. I’m speechless! .. it’s not the first time, but at some point it’s enough …” (Spelling adopted)
Immediately criticism and incomprehension rained on social media, and politicians also spoke up. FDP federal board member Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (63) wrote, for example: “Unbearable and unacceptable. #Antisemitism must have no place with us and must be fought at the root. @Marriott must immediately draw conclusions.”
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Anna Staroselski (25), President of the Jewish Student Union Germany, added: “That’s enough! We don’t want to hide anymore!”
A spokesman for the Westin Leipzig said in response to a TAG24 request: “We are affected by this report and take this matter very seriously. We are doing all we can to contact Mr. Ofarim while we are investigating what happened here.”
And further: “Our goal is to treat all of our guests and employees, regardless of their religion, in an integrative, respectful and supportive manner.” According to the LVZ “the employees concerned” are said to have been given leave of absence. A direct confirmation was initially not received from the hotel on Tuesday evening.
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Westin Leipzig under police protection – rally planned
Police in front of the Leipzig Westin. © News5
Ofarim himself initially did not want to comment on the incident on Tuesday at the dpa request. According to his management, he is considering filing a criminal complaint. So far there has been no official apology from the hotel. He had to digest the events in Leipzig first and was visibly shocked.
“Today would have been his father’s birthday, so he does not want to give any further personal interviews on this topic for the time being,” it said. The day is generally difficult enough for him. I ask for your forbearance and understanding.
The Leipzig police spokesman Olaf Hoppe said meanwhile that the alleged statement by the hotel employee was “clearly anti-Semitic” for him. The police will forward the content of the video to the public prosecutor’s office, who will check whether it is relevant to criminal law. Depending on the result, further determination will then be made or not.
The hotel is now under police protection. A team van has positioned itself on Keilstrasse in front of the building.
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In addition, the “Leipzig takes place” alliance has planned a rally in front of the Westin for 7 pm with the message “No space for anti-Semitism”.
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Title photo: Image montage: NEWS5 & Instagram / gilofarim
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