50 Jewish kids removed from flight in Spain, airline rejects antisemitism claims
However, the Spanish airline denied all allegations. In a statement released on Thursday, Vueling said the group displayed "highly disruptive behavior" and "adopted a very confrontational attitude, putting at risk the safe conduct of the flight."They claimed that passengers from the camp tampered with emergency equipment and disrupted the safety demonstration. Despite several warnings, the airline said the behavior continued, which prompted the crew to request the help of Spanish police.
DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF STORYMeanwhile, witness accounts and reports paint a different picture. One teenager on the flight, 17-year-old Samson, told AFP that the group had boarded the plane calmly. "One of my friends shouted a word in Hebrew because he was still a bit in a holiday-camp mood," he said. He admitted it may have been loud, but added, "We immediately stopped making noise" after being warned.Some reports also claimed that airline staff used offensive language, calling Israel a "terrorist state." However, these statements could not be verified.Parents of the children said the removal happened simply because one teen had sung a Hebrew song.Spain's Civil Guard said 44 minors and eight adults were taken off the plane. They confirmed that one person was arrested for refusing to leave the aircraft but was later released. A Civil Guard statement added, "The officers were not aware of the religion of the disembarked people at any point during the operation."The Israeli Foreign Ministry said that most of the group reached their destination in Paris by Thursday afternoon, while the rest travelled later on a different flight. In a Hebrew-language statement, the ministry said, "Israel, the Foreign Ministry, and Israeli missions around the world will continue to act and provide assistance to Israelis and Jews in distress wherever they may be."- Ends
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