Latino Coalition for Israel and Other Top National Evangelical Leaders Condemn Airbnb's Boycott of Jewish-owned Properties in the West Bank

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Jan 07, 2019, 12:30 ET

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Top national Evangelical leaders send a letter to Airbnb to strongly condemn Airbnb's decision to discriminate against the State of Israel by removing Jewish-owned listings in Judea and Samaria; stating Airbnb's actions not only as discriminatory but anti-Semitic in nature.

Mario Bramnick, President of the Latino Coalition for Israel, who coordinated for such strong Evangelical leadership support through the letter stated: "Airbnb has singled out Jewish persons and the state of Israel for discriminatory treatment, while continuing to list properties in other disputed territories and conflict areas around the globe. Moreover, it continues to list Palestinian-owned properties in Judea and Samaria; only Jewish-owned properties have been singled."

"Given the fact that Israel is the only democracy in the entire Middle East, one would think that Airbnb would not succumb to the inexcusable prejudice, blatant intolerance and Israelaphobia demonstrated by their anti-Semitic stance," stated Dr. Jim Garlow, Founder & CEO of Well Versed.

Michele Bachmann, former U.S. Congresswoman and Presidential Candidate, stated, "Airbnb's actions are clearly anti-Semitic. This is blatant racism and bigoted discrimination."

The letter signed by the 38 Evangelical Leaders stated:

"Evangelicals represent 25%-30% of the American population and strongly support the nation of Israel, the birthplace of our own Christian heritage. Some of our leadership were particularly active in the creation of many state laws designed to regulate against commercial discrimination of this nature. We will request of state authorities that Airbnb be added to their list of companies prohibited from any state investment."

The letter further stated: "Airbnb's discriminatory action has no place in our community. As leaders of national and international Evangelical organizations and communities, we urge Airbnb to rescind their decision to discriminate against Jewish-owned listings in Judea and Samaria."

Some of the signers include:

Mario Bramnick, Esquire, Latino Coalition for Israel; Tony Perkins, Family Research Council; Ralph Reed, Faith & Freedom Coalition; Bishop Harry Jackson, Hope Christian Church, Beltsville, Maryland; Congresswoman Michele Bachmann; Susan Michael, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem; Dr. Jim Garlow, Well Versed; Bishop Marcus Lamb, Daystar Television; Ward Simpson, God TV; David Barton, WallBuilders; Bob Vander Plaats, The Family Leader; Kelly Monroe Kullberg, American Association of Evangelicals; and Frank Gaffney, Center for Security Policy