JetBlue Faces Backlash After Antisemitic Messages Found on Kosher Meals

NEW YORK- A Jewish passenger on a JetBlue (B6) flight received a kosher meal with the handwritten words “Zio Nazi” on the packaging, prompting condemnation from the group StopAntisemitism.

This followed a similar incident on an Iberia (IB) flight from Buenos Aires to Madrid, where kosher meals were marked with “Free Palestine.”

These incidents highlight rising concerns over targeted political messages and antisemitism in airline food service.

Photo: Clément Alloing

JetBlue Racist Message on Kosher Meals

StopAntisemitism, a US-based advocacy group, posted an image on X showing a JetBlue “Core” class kosher meal labeled with “Zio Nazi,” a derogatory term linking Zionism to Nazism.

The group called for whoever was responsible to be immediately fired. Timing suggests the flight may have been transatlantic, though specifics remain unclear. JetBlue has not yet offered a public comment.

Just days earlier, passengers aboard Iberia flight IB102 from Buenos Aires to Madrid reported finding “Free Palestine” scrawled on their kosher meals, with some trays marked only with the initials “FP”.

According to PYOK, the captain personally apologized, and Iberia launched a full investigation, extending it to their caterers. The Jewish community’s representative, DAIA, demanded detailed explanations and safeguarding measures.

Photo: Clément Alloing

Similar Incidents

These cases come amid other troubling reports in the aviation sector. Vueling, a Spanish airline, faced backlash when it removed 47 Jewish teenagers from a Valencia flight under controversial circumstances.

There have also been reports of antisemitic behavior targeting Jewish passengers, such as the alleged removal of a New York rabbi and his wife from a JetBlue flight.

Clear Expectations for Airlines

Airlines must ensure that meals, especially kosher trays, remain free of political or hateful language. Kosher food is sealed to preserve religious integrity, so written slogans cannot be removed once packaged.

However, the airline crew can and should intervene by offering replacements or apologies if offensive messaging is detected before distribution.

Catering suppliers must implement stricter oversight. Airline companies bear responsibility for the actions of external suppliers and must include antisemitism awareness in staff and partner training programs.

Both incidents reflect a failure to prevent hate-based messaging from reaching passengers.

Accountability and Prevention

Public pressure and legal standards now demand transparency and corrective action. Airlines must disclose concrete steps taken in response to such incidents.

This could include disciplinary measures, internal audits, and mandatory training around religious sensitivity and anti-hate policies.

The Jewish community and organizations such as StopAntisemitism and DAIA expect robust responses to prevent future incidents. Their demands extend beyond apologies to systemic reform in catering and service practices.

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