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Not everyone got the famous Davos sled: the mountain restaurant Pischa in Davos GR did not rent sports equipment to Jewish guests for a few days – and informed them about this – a clear case of anti-Semitism that sparked outrage across the country’s borders.
And now diplomacy is also on the ground: Ambassador Ifat Reshef (55), who represents Israeli interests in Bern, contacted Center National Councilor Martin Candinas (43) about this. The ambassador confirmed to Blick that she had contacted local authorities and several parliamentarians after the incident – “to discuss what can be done to prevent such incidents and to ensure that Davos’ famous hospitality remains free of discrimination for all to exist”.
“Memory of dark times”
The rental ban for Jewish guests shocked everyone, “including myself,” Reshef continued. “Such statements remind us of dark times when special bans were issued against Jews in Europe, and what followed.” She welcomed the fact that the public prosecutor’s office and the Graubünden cantonal police had taken “immediate and decisive steps in this dangerous and worrying matter”.
The Alpine city is now defending itself: the incident was an “overreaction”, according to tourism director Reto Branschi (64), but it is a “two-sided problem”: “Unfortunately, a small part of Jewish Orthodox guests refuse any form of information, mediation or adaptation to our circumstances,” says Branschi. Partly out of clumsiness, partly out of disrespect.
Even though there have been few cases of misunderstandings between tourists and locals in the past, “Davos is a beautiful place where people from all over the world, including Israel, proudly stay,” Reshef said. All parties have an interest in ensuring that this remains the case, but that visitors are also encouraged to respect the rules.
“For this reason, such anti-Semitic tones and discriminatory statements cannot be tolerated, especially at this difficult time when we are witnessing an alarming increase in hate speech and anti-Semitic statements worldwide,” Reshef said.
Candinas: Bad for the tourist canton
According to Candinas, Davos does not have a general problem with anti-Semitism. “But Graubünden, especially as a tourist canton, cannot afford such incidents.” Of course he will discuss this with the Israeli ambassador.
Another Graubünden resident takes a tougher stance against his homeland. The incident was “very sad for Graubünden,” said SP state councilor Jon Pult (39). “But this is not about tourism or economic interests. “It’s more about the fact that any form of racism and anti-Semitism is unacceptable – in Davos, in Graubünden, in Switzerland, everywhere.”
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
