Snubbed Israeli offered free holiday in Ireland

Bord Failte has offered a free holiday to an Israeli citizen whose request for accommodation in Co Kerry was rejected because of the treatment of Palestinians by the Israeli government.

Arik Bender, a journalist with one of Israel’s largest newspapers, had sought accommodation for he and his family at Killarney Lakeland Cottages in Muckross.

However, he allegedly received a reply from a Brian O’Shea which said: "We are not accepting bookings from Israeli citizens due to the treatment of Palestinians by the Israeli government".

Mr Bender said he has not yet decided whether he should accept Bord Failte’s offer, which was made via the Irish Ambassador to Israel.