Jewish passenger accuses American Airlines attendant of antisemitism in viral confrontation, watch video

A video showing a confrontation between a Jewish passenger and a flight attendant on an American Airlines flight has gone viral, sparking heated debate online. The incident occurred on a Miami-bound flight when the passenger accused the attendant of antisemitism for wearing a watermelon pin, which he claimed symbolised support for Palestine.

In the video, the passenger can be heard shouting, “You support terrorism, you’re antisemitic,” and accusing the flight crew of treating him unfairly due to his Jewish background. The flight attendant, alongside a colleague, responded by stating that recording them was against US aviation regulations.

 

 

 

 

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The passenger was reportedly accused of touching the flight attendants, which he denied. American Airlines staff told him he could not leave the plane until he deleted the video. Police were called, but the passenger claims he contacted authorities himself. According to him, the police determined he had not broken any laws. He was eventually escorted off the plane.

American Airlines has launched an investigation into the incident. The airline’s policy prohibits staff from wearing unauthorised pins that are not part of the official uniform. Exceptions include pins recognising company milestones, military service, and those representing religion, ethnicity, or LGBTQ pride.

The confrontation comes amid heightened global tensions following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel and ongoing violence in Gaza. According to Gaza's health ministry, over 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.