Israel's Embassy to the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic has condemned a Kyrgyz hotel for a sign with the words "Jews and animals are not allowed."
The sign appeared on the Villa Hotel in the city of Osh. The hotel opened just three weeks ago.
"The sign contained an openly antisemitic and offensive statement," the embassy wrote on X. "Such manifestations are unacceptable and contradict the fundamental principles of respect, equality, and human dignity. We are convinced that any forms of discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, or other characteristics must receive a clear and unequivocal response."
The sign in question features the phrase in English, Kyrgyz, and Russian, as well as two symbols with a line through them: a dog and a Star of David.
Kyrgyz outlet Kaktus.media contacted the hotel administration. The manager said the owner of the building where the hotel is located put up the sign.
“We are tenants and opposed this decision, but the owner insisted. The day before, law enforcement representatives held an explanatory conversation, and the sign has already been removed. We understand that such a sign should not have been put up, but unfortunately, we were unable to influence the situation,” the establishment told Kaktus.
The Osh Department of Internal Affairs told Kaktus that information about the incident was received on April 20 from an officer of the department for combating extremism and illegal migration.
'Investigative measures are ongoing'
“During the inspection, the scene was examined, witnesses were questioned, and relevant expert analyses were assigned. At present, investigative measures are ongoing,” the police said.
Osh is the second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan, and the oldest city in the country.
Kyrgyzstan is a majority Muslim country, with an estimated 90% Muslim population. The nation's largest ethnic group are the Kyrgyz, a Turkic people, who comprise almost 80% of the population.
According to the World Jewish Congress, there are approximately 400 Jews living in Kyrgyzstan, almost all concentrated in Bishkek, the capital.
Israel and Kyrgyzstan have held diplomatic relations since 1992, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.