Outrage ensued upon the discovery of disturbing, antisemitic messaging in the Kyrgyzstani city of Osh, showing that the Villa Hotel had posted a sign at its entrance explicitly barring “Jews and animals.”

The sign, displayed in Kyrgyz, Russian, and English, featured images of a Magen David and a dog crossed out with a red line; visuals that recalled the Holocaust era and the Nazi regime’s dehumanization of Jews.

Yoav Bistritsky, Israel’s ambassador to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, moved quickly, coordinating with local authorities to have the sign taken down and to pursue action against those responsible.

“I welcome the swift action by the authorities to remove the antisemitic sign and launch a criminal investigation against those responsible,” the ambassador said, emphasizing that hatred of this kind has no place in modern society.

Amid mounting public backlash and diplomatic pressure, the sign was removed within 24 hours.