Several weeks have passed, but Baruch, a 19-year-old resident of a ultra-Orthodox neighborhood in London, is still shocked by a sign he discovered in late February on the storefront of a ski rental shop at the top of the Davos slopes in Switzerland. The sign, written in Hebrew, stated: “We do not rent sleds and skis to our Jewish friends.” Baruch sees this as a clear indication that a red line has been crossed, comparing the situation to the atmosphere in Germany in 1933. He is concerned about the implications of this incident and feels that history could repeat itself.
Baruch has been studying at a Talmudic school in Davos, along with around sixty other adolescents and young men from various parts of Europe. These young men, all dressed in traditional attire, have noticed a change in the atmosphere since the Hamas attack in October 2023. They feel like they are being looked at differently, with questioning and accusing glances that make them feel uncomfortable and targeted. There is a growing feeling of hostility towards them, which is concerning for the Jewish community in Davos.
The ski shop owner, Ruedi Pfiffner, justified his decision to stop renting equipment to Jews in a brief statement to the press, citing safety concerns related to customers not being properly equipped for winter sports. However, this explanation did little to calm the outrage sparked by his discriminatory policy. The Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities is considering taking legal action against the shop owner, as they believe his actions are based on antisemitic assumptions and stereotypes. The police have opened an investigation to determine the intentions behind the sign and whether it was a deliberate act of discrimination.
The incident in Davos has attracted international attention, with headlines in the US and Israel covering the story. The discrimination faced by the Jewish community in Davos has raised concerns about the rise of antisemitism in Europe and the need to address these issues before they escalate further. The situation has sparked a debate about the appropriate response to incidents of discrimination and racism, with calls for legal action to be taken against those responsible for perpetuating hatred and intolerance. There is a sense of urgency to address these issues and prevent them from escalating into larger conflicts.
As the Jewish community in Davos reflects on the incident and its implications, they are determined to stand up against discrimination and ensure that their rights are upheld. The unity and resilience of the community in the face of adversity are evident, as they come together to support each other and fight against hatred and bigotry. The incident has served as a wake-up call for the need to address underlying issues of prejudice and intolerance in society, and to work towards building a more inclusive and respectful world for all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs. The Jewish community in Davos remains committed to promoting understanding and acceptance, and standing up against discrimination in all its forms.
