An Israeli traveler was turned away from a hostel in the city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, this week after the owner reportedly refused to accommodate him solely because of his nationality.
Ofek Levy, who booked a stay at Guest Hostel DADA through the travel platform Booking.com, said he was stunned when the hostel owner refused to let him in upon arrival.
“She came to the outer gate, opened it halfway, and asked if I was the guest from Israel,” Levy told Ynet. “When I said yes, she told me she wouldn’t accept me and that I should find another hostel. I was shocked and confused. I asked, ‘What do you mean? What am I supposed to do?’ She just said, ‘Sorry, I’m not accepting you,’ and shut the gate.”
Levy said he contacted Booking.com for assistance but was only refunded €8 and was not provided an alternative place to stay. “It’s absurd,” he said. “I’m wondering how an Israeli customer can avoid such a humiliating experience when booking through a major, reputable site like Booking.com. I hope they act quickly to block bookings at this location and ensure that other accommodations on their platform don’t engage in discriminatory, antisemitic behavior.”
Booking.com told Ynet that the incident is under review.