The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations has called on Brian Chesky, Co-founder, CEO and Head of Community at Airbnb, to meet with American Jewish leaders to discuss the company’s latest decision to remove home listings in the Jewish communities of the West Bank. Arthur Stark, Chairman, and Malcolm Hoenlein, CEO, wrote that the company’s decision violates the principles of open commerce and the spirit and letter of several federal and state laws prohibiting discriminatory practices, including boycotts. The leaders said that, “Airbnb took a political decision that singles out Israelis and one ‘disputed’ territory. The West Bank involves complex issues that cannot be addressed with simplistic and, in this case, biased measures.”
“The BDS movement at its core is anti-Semitic as has been amply demonstrated. After recent events, especially following the attack of the Synagogue in Pittsburgh, we will not, and cannot remain silent. When Jews here or anywhere are singled out, threatened, discriminated against, or put in jeopardy of any kind, we must, and will respond.”
“We know that Airbnb has in the past expressed opposition to discrimination and conduct that would support bigotry. We hope that this will be the case now. We ask Mr. Chesky to act promptly to rescind the decision and make clear that the company rejects BDS in all its manifestations. The leaders suggested that a meeting be convened as soon as possible to put this matter to rest.”
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