Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and co-chair of the legislative body’s Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s agreement with Lufthansa to fine the latter $4 million.
The U.S. department says that the German carrier discriminated against nearly 130 Jews by refusing to seat them on a connecting flight in Frankfurt in May 2022. The airline agreed to the fine, although it disputes the department’s jurisdiction and insists that it is not guilty of Jew-hatred.
The agreement “sends a strong message that discrimination and antisemitism has absolutely no place in our society and will not be tolerated,” Smith stated.
“The rising tide of antisemitism worldwide cannot be overlooked,” he added. “Tragically, Jewish men, women and children continue to suffer bias, cruelty, hate and violence simply because they are Jewish.”
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) told JNS, “I condemn antisemitism and discrimination of any kind.”
“I appreciate the work of the U.S. Department of Transportation to investigate and address this situation and protect passengers’ civil rights,” he added.
Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) told JNS that “everyone should be entitled to travel safely and free from discrimination.”
“At a time when we are seeing antisemitism skyrocket around the globe, I commend the Department of Transportation for making it clear that anti-Jewish discrimination is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” the senator said. “We have a responsibility, whether it’s on an airplane or a college campus, to combat hatred and bigotry wherever it rears its ugly head.”
Rep. Kathy Manning (D-N.C.) told JNS that “this outcome sends a clear message to all companies: discrimination against Jews is unacceptable, under any circumstances.”
“I commend the Department of Transportation and Lufthansa for reaching this agreement and for taking meaningful steps to prevent future discrimination,” she said.
