Lessons From Lufthansa's Frankfurt Fiasco

[Dan]

1. If you are visibly Jewish, you are under a magnifying glass at all times. Even if others are breaking the rules, you will be more noticeable. It may not be "fair" that we need to act lifnim mishuras hadin, but that's life.

2. If you can't wear a mask, choose an airline that doesn't require one, even if it means paying more or spending more time in the air.

3. If you even think something is about to happen, start recording. Even if you think it's too late, record anyway.
Ideally, record surreptitiously so that it doesn't become confrontational. This story would have gone nowhere without video documentation of the "N-word" video, the cancellation announcements, and the Lufthansa supervisor.

4. Having the presence of mind to speak to a supervisor after the fact and to record it was brilliant. If you do decide to press for more information about a situation, be sure to record it. Even if you just point the camera at the floor, the audio will help, though obviously if you can hold in your hand and point it up, it will be better.

I'm sure there are many more lessons. Share them below.

[TimT]

Be your brothers keeper. As uncomfortable as it might be, go over & politely remind them to please follow the rules. For themselves & as evidenced, for everyone’s sake.

[Dan]

Be your brothers keeper. As uncomfortable as it might be, go over & politely remind them to please follow the rules. For themselves & as evidenced, for everyone’s sake.

This is such a tough one. How do you do this and have it be accepted and not mocked?

[TimT]

This is such a tough one. How do you do this and have it be accepted and not mocked?

Mention Lufthansa ?

[AsherO]

Mention Lufthansa ?

That would just lead to more mockery, implying that compliance with rules is (only?) due to anti-semitism, but is otherwise not really necessary (at least in the minds of these non-compliant Jews)

[AsherO]

Already stated: DD watermark

[TimT]

That would just lead to more mockery, implying that compliance with rules is (only?) due to anti-semitism, but is otherwise not really necessary (at least in the minds of these non-compliant Jews)

I wasn’t referring to AS. It’s a massive chillul hashem & makes us all look bad. The mask is uncomfortable for everyone, if others can wear it so can he.

[Yehuda57]

This is such a tough one. How do you do this and have it be accepted and not mocked?

In the videos you hear people saying "shrei nisht" and the like, and it works. People were legitimately mad, but it is surprisingly calm without much screaming going on. It didn't help get people on the plane, that was already a done deal, but the videos would look very different if they had screaming Jews in the background.

Yes, masking and other "misbehaviors" are different, but it is possible to share subtle reminders sometimes

[Euclid]

In the videos you hear people saying "shrei nisht" and the like, and it works. People were legitimately mad, but it is surprisingly calm without much screaming going on. It didn't help get people on the plane, that was already a done deal, but the videos would look very different if they had screaming Jews in the background.

Yes, masking and other "misbehaviors" are different, but it is possible to share subtle reminders sometimes

I wonder if there would've been more yelling and screaming if it were families with kids; i.e. a much more stressful environment.

[avromie7]

I wonder if there would've been more yelling and screaming if it were families with kids; i.e. a much more stressful environment.

I'm sure there would. An adult can handle being stuck for a day, a family with kids would go crazy. Just making sure kids don't starve would lead to mayhem.

[Yehuda57]

I wonder if there would've been more yelling and screaming if it were families with kids; i.e. a much more stressful environment.

Good point, that would have certainly sent people over the edge.

That video was chilling. I can't imagine how seething mad I would have been if it was me. Seriously kudos to all the passengers for remaining relatively calm in that situation. Rather ironic considering the comments being made about Chassidic travelers.

[ushdadude]

This is such a tough one. How do you do this and have it be accepted and not mocked?

It's a mitzvah in the torah. hocheach tochiach

[yelped]

It's a mitzvah in the torah. hocheach tochiach

Correct. Though the details of that mitzvah include making sure not to speak up if your words won't be heard.

[TimT]

if your words won't be heard.

Which you won’t know until you try.

[yelped]

Which you won’t know until you try.

Agreed. Just think before so that your words will come across the right way and be effective.

[nbfromnj]

We are in galus. The nations of the world hate us. We will not be helped or saved by politicians or the media or lawsuits even if everyone "takes our side". Ain lanu al mi lihisha'ein elah al Avinu shebashamayim. Our main focus has to be on bettering ourselves so that we merit the final redemption very very soon.

[Dreidel]

If you are being treated unfairly, contact Dan

That's the lesson I learned

[AsherO]

It's a mitzvah in the torah. hocheach tochiach

Only if you believe it will be effective…

[AsherO]

Which you won’t know until you try.

In this use case it’s a 50/50% chance at best…

[yelped]

Only if you believe it will be effective…

Apparently it's in today's daf. Good simen BH.