German lawyer sues Expedia for denying service to Israeli
A prominent German attorney has filed a lawsuit against online travel agency Expedia for denying service to an Israeli passenger who wanted to fly on a Kuwait Airways plane.
A court hearing will take place on Wednesday, attorney Nathan Gelbart told The Jerusalem Post.
“Kuwait Airways denies transportation of Israeli passengers because of a racist boycott law against the Jewish state, claiming it must not let Israeli passengers on board,” he said.
“The truth is: Kuwait Airways does not want to transport Israeli passengers. The antisemitic regime of Kuwait owns Kuwait Airways... and can change this situation with one phone call,” Gelbart told the Post.
“This is ridiculous,” he said. “Expedia.de shamefully supports this racist boycott by selling tickets for Kuwait Airways. Gelbart Legal together with the US-based Lawfare Project will continue to fight against racism and discrimination against Jews, especially when it occurs on German soil.”
“Kuwait Airways discriminates against Jews – and Expedia provides support” in connection with the alleged bias, Gelbart said.
The lawsuit was filed against the German branch of Expedia. The “de” in Expedia.de is an abbreviation for Deutschland (Germany). Expedia is based in Seattle, Washington. The implications of Gelbart’s lawsuit could have an effect on Kuwait’s regime. A proven charge of bias could lead to Expedia discontinuing business with the Gulf monarchy.
The Post sent a query to Expedia on Saturday. Berlin-based Gelbart has won significant cases over the years, including a landmark one in January 2018 against a German antisemite who has ties with the EU- and the US-designated terrorist entity Hamas.
The pro-Hamas German activist sought to block the head of the Munich Jewish community, Charlotte Knobloch, from repeating her statement in which she said he is “notorious for his antisemitic remarks.”
The obscure activist promotes the BDS movement against Israel. Gelbart won the case, permitting Knobloch to repeat her remarks.