On August 15, 2012, a jury in a Superior Court of Los Angeles County found Hotel Shangri La in Santa Monica and its co-owner liable of 18 claims of discrimination against a group of Jewish young professionals. In a trial that began in July 2012, the jury found that a co-owner of the hotel, Tehmina Adaya, an American-Muslim of Pakistani descent, violated the California Unruh Civil Rights act when she forced the plaintiffs to leave the premises of the hotel where they were holding a pool party for the Young Leadership Division of the Friends of Israel Defense Force (FIDF), in which they were raising funds to send the children of fallen soldiers to summer camp.
In a clear and shocking expression of modern anti-Semitism, Adaya allegedly called on her staff to "get the f---ing Jews out of my pool." In addition, Adaya was said to have feared repercussions from her family and/or investors if they found out the event was taking place. Hotel security began the process of evicting the Jews from the pool and the patio premises, while a party that was open to the public continued uninterrupted. She also forced the group to remove the FIDF group's promotional material and banners. We commend the 18 plaintiffs, "The Santa Monica Chai," for their courage to speak out, take action, and hold Adaya accountable for her despicable actions.
The jury put the total price-tag for the malicious anti-Semitic actions of Adaya at about $1.65 million, including punitive damages. While the hotel and its owner have been punished by the court of law, the court of public opinion must also speak out against this disgusting form of Jew hatred and ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.
On Sunday, August 26, 2012, 11 am, the ZOA Western Region is leading a community-wide peaceful picket in front of Hotel Shangri La. We encourage all Los Angeles Jewish and pro-Israel groups and synagogues to take part, as well as all people concerned with Jewish civil rights. Bring your friends, colleagues, and family members, as well as additional signs, to express outrage at this bigotry and also pride in the Jewish people.
We will begin protesting at 11 am. The hotel is located on 1301 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
The media is invited to cover the event.
Please spread the word about the protest to draw the line in the Santa Monica sand that says: "NEVER AGAIN!"
Please spread the word about the protest to draw the line in the Santa Monica sand that says: "NEVER AGAIN!"
For more information and to rsvp, contact Orit Arfa, ZOA West Executive Director, atoarfa@zoa.org. To help ensure an orderly protest, please let us know you'll be there!
