Israeli outrage is skyrocketing over the BDS-linked (Boycott, Divest & Sanctions campaign against Israel) boycott of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria by the global Airbnb vacation listing service.
Mayor Shai Alon of the Samaria town of Beit El referenced the anti-Semitic behaviors of Austria and Germany in the 1930s, pointing out, “Once again a ‘selection’ of Jews is being performed. It is not new and we are not bothered by the boycott, this time by Airbnb.”
Alon’s remedy for such behavior was simple, and directed primarily at people within the State of Israel.
“I call on Israelis: Come vacation in Judea and Samaria. The scenery here is amazing, the air is clear and the hospitality is better than many places you know,” Alon said.
The director of the Gush Etzion-based Kfar Etzion Field School pointed out that there are local groups within Israel who are involved in the international effort to hurt their fellow Israelis living in Judea and Samaria.
“Leftist organizations are campaigning to boycott the settlements in Judea and Samaria and have now received another achievement in the form of removing Judea and Samaria from [the Airbnb] site,” Rosenthal said.
“The government of Israel must prevent the existence of the BDS movement that harms the entire country. We call upon the people of Israel to visit us in Kfar Etzion, and as an appropriate Zionist response, we are preparing for the construction of new B&B (bed and breakfast) vacation rentals.”
On Monday, Deputy Minister Michael Oren called for a counter-boycott of the San Francisco-based rental service.
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan urged homeowners in Judea and Samaria — many of whom are dual Israel – U.S. citizens, to sue the company for discrimination. He said that he also plans to urge American lawmakers to investigate Airbnb’s new policy to determine whether it might be violating U.S. anti-boycott laws.
