"You Kill Palestinians": Israeli Wizz Air Passenger Demands Apology After Attack
Israeli doctor reports antisemitic harassment by Wizz Air ground staff in Cyprus, demanding apology after employee made controversial statements about Palestinians.
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Dr. Adir Shifron, an Israeli physician and frequent Wizz Air flyer, has accused the airline’s ground crew in Cyprus of humiliating and antisemitic behavior during a check-in encounter at Larnaca Airport last month.
According to Shifron, the incident occurred on August 23 when he and his wife approached the airline’s general check-in counter. After he informed the staff member that they were flying to Tel Aviv, she allegedly told him to “stop the war.” When he replied that he hoped for an end to the conflict for the sake of all sides, the employee reportedly continued: “Only you kill Palestinians.”
Shifron says he reminded her of the October 7 massacre in Israel, but she dismissed it, responding: “You’ve been killing Palestinians for 47 years.” The passenger attempted to obtain the employee’s name, but she initially refused. Only after a supervisor intervened was she identified as “Maria.”
In a formal complaint submitted to Wizz Air management, Shifron described the exchange as “humiliating” and “blatantly antisemitic.” He demanded a public apology, disciplinary action against the staff member, and assurances that safeguards would be implemented to prevent similar incidents.
“This is not just insulting, it’s antisemitic,” Shifron wrote in his letter. “As a frequent flyer with priority status, I expect professional service, not political accusations or hatred.”
Wizz Air responded through company representative Mohamed Salem, confirming that the case had been forwarded to the relevant department for review. As of this week, however, the airline has not issued a public statement or apology.
The incident adds to mounting concerns over the treatment of Israeli passengers at international airports amid heightened tensions in the region.