Puerto Rico Tour Company Denies Service to Jewish Tourist, Citing "Free Pal

Paradise Tours PR, a Fajardo-based company offering guided hikes and eco-tours in Puerto Rico’s El Yunque Rainforest, is under fire after allegedly refusing service to an American Jewish woman, Shana Shabat, in an email response that read “Free Palestine.” The incident, reported and shared by pro Israel influencer Hillel Fuld, has sparked widespread condemnation for apparent antisemitic discrimination.

According to posts on X, Shabat submitted a routine inquiry through the company’s website, providing only her name, travel dates, and email address—without mentioning Israel or political affiliations. Paradise Tours PR responded with an email titled “No thanks,” containing just two words: “Free Palestine.”

When pressed for clarification via WhatsApp, an employee identified as John reportedly doubled down, stating, “Yes. Not interested to host so called israelis. Is there a problem with that? How many of you are going to bother us? Just move on.” The response has been widely criticized as discriminatory, with many pointing out that Shabat is an American, not an Israeli, and that her Jewish-sounding name may have triggered the refusal.

Ready for more?

The incident has drawn significant attention online, with X posts from accounts like Canary Mission and Yeshiva World News sharing the story, labeling it as blatant antisemitism. Users have pointed to the company’s website, paradisetourspr.com, and contact number, urging accountability.

Tripadvisor reviews for Paradise Tours PR now include sarcastic comments questioning the company’s discriminatory practices, such as, “Can you clarify why you won’t book tours for people who are Jewish?” and references to federal anti-discrimination laws like Title II of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in public accommodations based on religion or national origin.

Paradise Tours PR, operated by an individual named Chris, markets itself as a family-run business offering unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences like rainforest water slides and snorkeling. The company boasts over 1,500 five-star reviews across Google, Airbnb, and Facebook for its small-group tours. However, following the incident, its website reportedly became inaccessible, though it’s unclear if this was intentional. Israel Hayom noted that the company has not issued a public response to the allegations, and efforts to verify the claims independently are ongoing.

This controversy emerges amid broader discussions about antisemitism in commercial settings. Critics argue the company’s actions reflect a growing trend of targeting Jewish individuals under the guise of political activism, particularly tied to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The phrase “Free Palestine” is a common rallying cry in pro-Palestinian activism, but its use in this context—denying service based on perceived Jewish or Israeli identity—has been called out as discriminatory and inflammatory. Some X users, like @judgmentcenter, have called for legal action, citing the incident as “illegal discrimination against Jewish Americans.”

Puerto Rico’s Jewish community, numbering around 1,500 and the largest in the Caribbean, has a rich history dating back to the Conversos who arrived with Christopher Columbus in 1493. Despite facing persecution under Spanish rule, the community has contributed significantly to the island’s culture, from independence movements like the 1870 Grito de Lares to modern agricultural initiatives like the Israeli-led Gan Eden farm. The island is home to several Jewish institutions, including the Chabad Jewish Center in Isla Verde and the San Juan Holocaust Memorial, which honors victims of the 1972 Lod Airport Massacre, where 16 Puerto Rican tourists were killed.

Paradise Tours PR has yet to respond publicly, but the incident has already damaged its reputation, with calls for boycotts and legal scrutiny growing online.