Hotel under fire for banning Jewish guests

Hotel in Kyrgyzstan sparks controversy with sign declaring that “Jews and animals” are not permitted.

By World Israel News Staff

A hotel in the Republic of Kyrgyzstan sparked outrage recently over a ban on Jewish guests.

The controversy began after photographs of a sign at the Villa Hotel in Osh Kyrgyzstan went viral on social media, publicizing the hotel’s policy of excluding Jewish guests.

The sign, which appeared in multiple languages, read “Jews and animals are not allowed!” and featured the Star of David and a symbol of a dog, both of which were slashed to indicate the ban.

Israel’s embassy, which covers both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, called the display an “openly antisemitic and offensive statement” and said such acts violate basic principles of respect, equality and human dignity.

“The sign contained an openly antisemitic and offensive statement,” the embassy said in a statement.

“Such manifestations are unacceptable and contradict the fundamental principles of respect, equality, and human dignity. We are convinced that any forms of discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, or other characteristics must receive a clear and unequivocal response.”

Israeli Ambassador George Deek Bistritsky later welcomed what he described as swift action by Kyrgyz authorities, saying the sign had been removed and that a criminal investigation had been opened against those responsible.

He said that “such hatred has no place in any society.”

Kyrgyz reports said the Osh city police began a preliminary probe after the photo spread online, and officers inspected the site and questioned witnesses.

The Jerusalem Post reported that the Villa Hotel had opened only about three weeks ago before the controversy erupted.

The hotel is listed on international booking sites, including Booking.com, which lists it as a three-star hotel with a perfect 10 out of 10 rating from the six reviews it has received thus far.