A Burger King employee at a Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, restaurant was dismissed after telling a customer, "Free Palestine," during a food order.
The customer, Rami Feinstein, an Israeli-American musician wearing a Star of David necklace, said the employee, Arianna Hamilton, made the remark after learning he was from Israel. Feinstein, who was ordering food for his family, recorded part of the exchange, said he felt threatened, requested a refund, and later shared the video online, questioning whether the restaurant was a safe place for Jewish customers.
Following the video's widespread circulation, Burger King released a statement condemning the employee's conduct, saying the company has zero tolerance for antisemitism, hate, or discrimination, and that it worked with the local franchise owner to address the matter. Hamilton later confirmed that she had been fired, saying management cited discrimination and hate speech as the reasons for her termination.
In a video posted on Instagram, Hamilton denied that her comment was antisemitic, describing it instead as an expression of free speech. She claimed she only made the remark after Feinstein mentioned he was Israeli. Maintaining that she stands by her political views, Hamilton launched a GoFundMe campaign titled "Support Arianna After Job Loss for Free Speech" to help cover her living expenses while she looks for a new job. The fundraiser has raised more than $40,000.
