Guests say the sign at the hotel pool “reeks of anti-Semitism,” while another sign posted in the kitchen for “Jewisch Guests” made them feel ‘unwanted.’

• Swiss management apologizes, promising to remove the signs since they had “no intention to offend anyone.”

By Yehuda Shlezinger

Israeli tourists staying at the Paradies holiday apartments in the Swiss resort town of Arosa have reported a disturbing sign posted on the premises instructing Jewish guests — and only Jews — to shower before using the swimming pool.

Many haredi tourists visit European resorts at this time of year, when yeshiva students are on summer vacation.

One couple who arrived at the Swiss vacation spot saw the sign and said there were no other signs referring to any other religious sector.

A guest wrote above the sign that he was not Jewish, but the sign was “racist,” and added: “This sign is disgusting.”

Some Jewish guests reported another sign specifically addressing “Jewisch Guests” posted in the kitchen area of the holiday apartments, asking them to take food out of the refrigerators only at designated times.

The guest who reported the signs to Israel Hayom said, “We were horrified by the sign. The sense is that Jews, and especially not Jews of a religious appearance, have no reason to be in Europe. We feel the hate.”

A Jewish couple said the sign made them extremely uncomfortable.

“It ruined the feeling of a vacation. We felt very unwanted. The place might be called ‘Paradise,’ but for Jews it isn’t at all. It really reeks of anti-Semitism,” a guest said.

In a phone conversation with Israel Hayom, a representative of the Aparthaus Paradies apologized for the offensive signs and promised to remove them.

“There was no intention to offend anyone. We are very far from anything having to do with anti-Semitism. Most of our guests are religious Jews, and we respect them and are happy to host them,” the representative said.

“The sign over the refrigerator was addressed to Jews, because they use the employees’ refrigerator to store kosher food. The pool sign requested that hygiene rules be observed because of things that happened in the past. We apologize if anyone was offended.”

View original Israel Hayom publication at:

http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=44649