Israeli Travelers Restricted by Cruise Line

By B’nai Brith —— Bio and Archives March 9, 2014

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TORONTO, — B'nai Brith Canada has learned from Canadian Jewish tourists aboard a Norwegian Jade cruise ship that Israeli tourists have been denied the right to disembark when the ship dropped anchor at the Port of Tunis, Tunisia. As passengers began preparations to visit the country, Israelis on board were quietly told that they were not welcomed by the Tunisian Government and would have to remain onboard.

According to some Jewish passengers no prior notice was issued, either in writing or by public announcement. The cruise line also failed to advise passengers in advance that Israeli tourists would be confined to the ship when arriving at the Tunisian port. Other Jews aboard were unaware that their coreligionists were being detained and were outraged when news of the incident spread. According to B'nai Brith Canada's CEO, Frank Dimant, "The cruise line has a responsibility to its passengers to advise them of this discriminatory policy in advance. Better still the cruise line should avoid ports that have such policies. "