Religion

Lufthansa Faces Backlash After Reportedly Banning Jews From Flight Over Mask Dispute

MAY 10 2022·Updated DEC 28 2022

Story

Image credit: Getty Images [via The New York Post]

The Facts

Lufthansa is facing accusations of antisemitism after reports emerged that over 100 Orthodox Jewish passengers were barred from boarding a connecting flight from Frankfurt to Budapest last week over a mask dispute.
CBS News
The group had been traveling from JFK for a religious pilgrimage in Hungary, with a stopover in Frankfurt. The dispute reportedly arose after a handful refused to wear masks on the first leg of the journey.
New York Post
However, several passengers on the flight last Wed. claim that rather than targeting only the men who had refused to wear masks, the airline banned anyone visibly Jewish.
Daily Mail
Lufthansa admitted to preventing a large number of people from boarding the Frankfurt-to-Budapest flight and apologized, but denied there was any antisemitism.
New York Post
The affected group of passengers said they all split up and eventually reached their destination on other airlines.
New York Post

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

This is outrageous. The only commonality between the passengers - many of whom were strangers - was that they shared the ethnicity and religion of the alleged rule violators. Lufthansa's weak apology only pours oil on the flames. They must be held accountable and the affected passengers should be compensated.

Jewish Journal

Narrative B

Though many wish it to be, COVID isn't over. Masks are a tool to protect everyone, especially passengers on an airplane. Though the situation could have been handled better, Lufthansa was merely abiding by legal requirements and ensuring the safety of other passengers. The airline is reviewing the events, and has already issued an apology.