Iberia says it opened probe after ‘Free Palestine’ written on kosher meal packaging

MADRID, Spain — Spanish airline Iberia says that it has opened an investigation after a passenger who requested a kosher meal received his food tray with the words “Free Palestine” written on the packaging.

Several other Jewish passengers on the flight from Buenos Aires to Madrid received meal trays marked with the initials “FP” for “Free Palestine,” according to DAIA, the umbrella organisation of Argentina’s Jewish community, calling it a “serious act of antisemitism.”

“We strongly condemn this discriminatory act and have contacted the airline authorities to demand explanations and immediate action,” the group says in a message posted on X.

The post included a photo showing a meal tray with a handwritten white label marked “Free Palestine” in black letters.

Kosher refers to food prepared according to Jewish dietary laws.

In a statement, Iberia confirms that some passengers on the flight that landed early Tuesday reported “handwritten pro-Palestinian messages” on their meal packaging.

“The Iberia crew documented the incident and took action to assist those affected. The captain personally approached them to apologise on behalf of the airline,” the statement says.

The airline says it was conducting an internal investigation and working with its catering providers to determine how the labels were added.

Iberia also says it “categorically rejects any form of discrimination, incitement to hatred, or behavior that undermines the dignity of individuals.”