Kinneret Camp Students Removed From Vueling Flight After Viral Song Video

A viral video of Spanish police handcuffing a 21-year-old Jewish camp director has ignited global outrage, with Vueling Airlines accused of antisemitism after removing 50 French Jewish children from a flight in Spain. The July 23 incident at Valencia Airport, involving campers aged 10–15 returning to Paris, spiraled into competing narratives: passengers claim Hebrew songs triggered the expulsion, while Vueling alleges “highly disruptive behavior” endangered flight safety.

Vueling Faces Antisemitism Accusations

According to Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli, the children from the Kinneret summer camp were ejected after singing Hebrew songs, with crew members allegedly calling Israel “a terrorist state.” His viral tweet (15M+ views) showed the camp director pinned by Spanish Civil Guard officers. Camp organizers condemned the expulsion as identity-based discrimination, pledging legal action against Vueling. France’s CRIF Jewish Council denounced it as “unacceptable targeting,” citing rising antisemitism in Europe (CRIF Report, July 2025).

Witnesses contradict Vueling’s safety claims. A 17-year-old passenger admitted one child shouted a Hebrew word loudly but said they stopped immediately when cautioned. Parents insist the removal began when a teen sang a Hebrew ballad. Social media users globally amplified #BoycottVueling, sharing clips of the detained supervisor. Spain’s Federation of Jewish Communities demanded an investigation, noting “disproportionate force” used against minors (FJCE Statement, July 24, 2025).

Airline’s Defense and Contradictions

Vueling’s official statement cited “confrontational attitudes” and tampering with emergency equipment. The airline claimed crew issued multiple warnings before Spain’s Civil Guard removed 44 minors and 8 adults, arresting the director for “insulting authorities.” However, passenger testimonials obtained by Le Monde described calm boarding, with tension escalating only after a flight attendant demanded silence during Hebrew chanting.

Aviation security expert Dr. Elena Torres (King’s College London) questioned Vueling’s response: “Removing 50+ passengers requires imminent threat evidence. If singing provoked this, it sets dangerous precedents” (Aviation Safety Journal, 2025). The incident highlights airline crisis protocols—Spain’s AESA aviation authority mandates verbal warnings before removals, but witnesses reported no escalation period.

The fallout continues:

• Vueling’s stock dropped 3% amid boycott calls.
• France opened talks with Spain’s transport ministry.
• The EU’s antisemitism envoy called for a “transparent, independent review.”

This clash between safety claims and discrimination charges exposes deepening divides. As investigations unfold, travelers demand accountability—not just explanations.

Must Know

H2: Must Know

Q: Why were Jewish children removed from the Vueling flight?
A: Vueling cited “disruptive behavior,” including alleged emergency equipment tampering. Passengers claim Hebrew singing triggered the expulsion. Spain’s Civil Guard confirmed one arrest for “resisting authority.”

Q: Did the children chant ‘Death to Arabs’?
A: Unverified social media reports alleged this, but witnesses and camp staff deny it. Flight recordings reviewed by El País showed Hebrew songs without hate speech (July 25, 2025).

Q: What penalties could Vueling face?
A: Potential EU discrimination fines up to €500,000 per victim under Directive 2020/314. France may also pursue compensation lawsuits for trauma.

Q: How are authorities responding?
A: Spain’s AESA agency is auditing Vueling’s protocols. The EU Commission pledged to “monitor compliance with passenger rights regulations.”

Sources: Spanish Civil Guard Report (July 23, 2025), CRIF France Statement (July 24, 2025), El País Aviation Records (July 25, 2025), EU Passenger Rights Directive 2020/314.