Homophobic attack at hotel pool in Jerusalem

David Lerner, a Tel Aviv musician, was violently attacked in a homophobic incident at a Jerusalem hotel after reporting threats to management. He claims the hotel led him into a confrontation with the attacker instead of protecting him. He was subjected to curses and punches, taken to the hospital, and filed a police complaint. The hotel stated it condemns violence and called the police.

David Lerner (28), a musician from Tel Aviv, was staying at a hotel in Jerusalem with his mother. In the smoking area, a man threatened him that if he returned to the pool wearing a Speedo swimsuit, he "would not leave the hotel alive." Lerner reported this to the hotel management, which he says forced him to go down with security guards to identify the attacker. The confrontation escalated: the attacker and his family hurled severe homophobic curses at him, his partner knocked the phone from his hand, and then the attacker pushed past the guards, shoved him, and landed two punches to his forehead. Lerner was taken to the hospital, filed a police complaint, and is dealing with signs of trauma. His lawyer, Asaf Sharaaf, argues that the hotel exposed him to danger instead of protecting him, and is considering a civil lawsuit. The hotel responded: "We vehemently condemn violence, police were called." The police have not yet responded.

Homophobic attack at hotel pool in Jerusalem