Travelodge to introduce antisemitism training after ‘Free Palestine’ TV message incident
Hotel chain says investigation is nearing completion, but still cannot explain how message appeared
Travelodge will introduce antisemitism training for staff after a “Free Palestine” message was discovered on a television in the room of an Orthodox Jewish guest at one of its London hotels.
The move comes almost two weeks after New York tourist Sruly Fogel, 24, reported finding a message reading “Hi, welcome, Free Palestine” on a television screen during a stay at Travelodge Manor House in Finsbury Park.
Despite an internal investigation, the hotel chain says it has still been unable to determine how the message appeared.
Travelodge told Jewish News it had approached the Antisemitism Policy Trust and was discussing a training programme focused on antisemitism and cultural sensitivity.
The company said: “We are now very close to concluding a robust internal investigation, but unfortunately, it has not been possible to determine exactly how or when the message was put on this individual TV.
“However, our internal focus on our policy of zero tolerance to discrimination, including antisemitism, will continue, and we are currently in discussions with a leading organisation in the Jewish community to facilitate an appropriate training programme on cultural sensitivity and antisemitism.”
Travelodge said it had treated the incident seriously from the outset and had taken immediate action after becoming aware of the complaint.
The company also said chief executive Jo Boydell had personally apologised to Fogel.
It added: “Our CEO has spoken with the guest to express our apologies for their experience.
“We have also been engaging closely with leaders and groups within the Jewish community to reiterate our absolute zero-tolerance stance on antisemitism and any form of discrimination and our commitment to ensuring that the Jewish community feels safe and welcome at all of our hotels.”
The incident was first reported by Jewish News after Fogel said he discovered the message while visiting London for a friend’s wedding.
Shomrim reported the incident to police, describing it as bearing “all the hallmarks of targeted antisemitism”.
The Metropolitan Police has since confirmed that officers carried out a number of enquiries, including attending the hotel and speaking with the guest, but that the investigation has now been closed unless further information comes to light.
Responding to the outcome, the Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “It’s astonishing if both police and Travelodge investigations have been closed.
“There are only so many people with access to this equipment, and there is likely to be CCTV. It really can’t be that complicated.”
The organisation added that “the Jewish community deserves reassurance” over how the incident has been handled.
While the company’s investigation is nearing completion, it has not identified who was responsible for the message or how it came to appear on the television.
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