Lufthansa Slammed with Record $4 Million Fine for Shocking Discrimination Against Jewish Passengers
Lufthansa has been fined $4 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation for allegedly discriminating against Jewish passengers. This significant penalty was levied after an incident in May 2022, when 128 individuals dressed in Orthodox Jewish attire were barred from boarding a connecting flight in Germany en route from New York City to Budapest. Although the group was not traveling together, and many did not know each other, Lufthansa staff reportedly denied them boarding based on the actions of a few who allegedly violated the airline’s mask policy. Video footage captured employees stating that “everyone has to pay” for some passengers’ actions, referring to the group as “Jewish coming from JFK”. German media noted that boarding was denied based on visible religious identifiers like skull caps or sidelocks.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of fighting discrimination in air travel, stating that the decision highlights the administration’s readiness to enforce passengers’ civil rights. Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, a special envoy against antisemitism, expressed disbelief at the details of the incident, pointing out the irony of it happening with Germany’s flagship airline.
Following the charges, Lufthansa announced cooperation with the DOT and collaboration with the American Jewish Committee to develop a unique training program addressing antisemitism and discrimination within the airline industry. The airline reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusivity, stating it has “zero tolerance for racism, antisemitism and discrimination of any type,” and apologized for the incident.
The incident and its aftermath reflect a broader commitment to regulatory oversight and societal expectations for equality and non-discrimination in the airline industry, marking a notable enforcement action in civil rights protection by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/15/lufthansa-fined-record-4-million-for-discriminating-against-jewish-passengers.html
Category :
Tags:
