A hotel worker in California, accused of harassing an Israeli couple with anti-Semitic comments, is now facing financial trouble and has turned to a GoFundMe campaign for help after reportedly losing his job due to the incident.
Ryan Smith was allegedly employed at Ocean Point Ranch when this altercation unfolded earlier this week. A viral video apparently captured him aggressively confronting the couple in the lobby, repeatedly questioning them about their military service and their nationality.
During the encounter, he can be heard asking, “Are you a Zionist?” and making other provocative remarks, including referring to them with derogatory labels. The situation reportedly escalated when he told the couple to “liberate Palestine” as they left the lobby.
The female guest, understandably upset, then called him out on his comment, according to the video’s caption that gained traction online.
This clip soon garnered hundreds of thousands of views and incited significant backlash on social media, with many accusing him of anti-Semitism.
In response to the uproar, Ocean Point Ranch confirmed it had initiated an internal investigation and later declared that Smith was no longer with the hotel. They emphasized that the behavior shown in the video was not in line with the standards of respect and hospitality they aim to provide.
Ocean Point Ranch also issued an apology to their guests, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring a welcoming and safe environment.
Following the announcement of his dismissal, Smith started a GoFundMe page seeking financial support while he searches for new employment. In his campaign description, he stated, “Hello, my name is Ryan. I was recently fired for speaking out about genocide in the Middle East.” He expressed his views on broader issues, noting, “I will not forget Congo. The world needs to be liberated,” adding a note of hope for peace and love.
Smith also mentioned that he felt “glad to be fired” from his previous job and was open to “any” job opportunities that come his way.
His fundraising effort quickly exceeded its initial target of $7,500, raising over $13,000 by Monday afternoon, which was about 178% of the original goal.
The situation continues to incite heated discussions online, with some users defending Smith’s pro-Palestinian stance while others argue that his treatment of Israeli guests was unacceptable for someone in the hospitality industry.
Israeli writer Hen Matzig was among those who shared the video, while others have called for more significant consequences for hotel staff involved in such incidents.
This controversy unfolds amid escalating global tensions regarding the conflict in Gaza, with more demonstrations and political issues spilling into various public and private spheres across the U.S.
