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Westin Leipzig: At the center of an anti-Semitism debate
Photo: Hendrik Schmidt / dpa
The Westin Leipzig has completed its investigation into the Gil Ofarim case.
There were no “objectifiable evidence” that would justify “taking criminal and / or labor law measures against the accused employee,” said the hotel.
Ofarim reported about two weeks ago that he had been the victim of anti-Semitic hostility.
Accordingly, he had been asked by the employee of the Westin Hotel to wrap his necklace with a Star of David.
Then he can check in.
He reported this in an Instagram video that caused a sensation nationwide.
After the allegations became known, the hotel commissioned a "specialized law firm" to prepare an expert report.
According to the hotel, the lawyers questioned the accused receptionist, several other employees and all the guests who were "available and ready to provide information" as well as other witnesses.
In addition, an expert opinion on the recordings of the video surveillance system had been obtained.
Based on the results of the investigation, it was decided not to take any action against the employee.
The man is still exposed to "massive hostility".
That is why it was decided that "from a welfare point of view, he will not yet fully perform his duties again".
The knowledge gained will be shared with the law enforcement authorities.
At the weekend, media reports had raised serious doubts about Ofarim's portrayal.
The "Bild am Sonntag" published recordings on which Ofarim can be seen at reception and when leaving the hotel, among other things.
They indicated that Ofarim might not be wearing a necklace with a visible Star of David.
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Ofarim himself stuck to his portrayal to SPIEGEL.
“I was wearing the chain all the way through.
I don't understand why people are now debating whether I was wearing the necklace or not, ”Ofarim said to the piece of jewelry his father gave him at the bar mitzvah.
Ofarim announced last week that he had filed criminal charges against the hotel employee.
The Leipzig public prosecutor's office has so far received several reports of the incident a week ago - including from the accused hotel employee.
He accuses Ofarim of defamation and, according to earlier statements by the police, describes the events in a clearly different way than the artist.
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