A New York man has been charged with multiple felonies after allegedly making bomb threats to a Brookline hotel in response to the display of a Palestinian flag. According to The Boston Globe, Daniel Freundlich, 45, of Brooklyn is accused of calling the Iris Hotel several times on April 18, demanding that "no Jews" stay there and warning of an explosion during a claimed future visit.
Freundlich has not been arrested as of the most recent reports. A warrant for his arrest was issued after investigators traced the calls to his Brooklyn apartment. Law enforcement, including the FBI, interviewed him at his residence last month. Brookline.News reports that during the interview, Freundlich declined to comment when contacted by phone, and it is unclear if he has legal representation.
The incident occurred after the Iris Hotel displayed a Palestinian flag to honor Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who was staying at the hotel. The display prompted responses from some in the Brookline Jewish community, who requested that an Israeli flag be flown in turn. The hotel received numerous calls and emails following media attention and social media posts.
Wagner Hospitality Management, which operates the hotel, said the flag was displayed temporarily during Congresswoman Tlaib's stay and was not intended as a political statement. The company declined to provide additional comments. The hotel’s co-owner, Anwar Faisal, has previously contributed to Tlaib’s political campaign.
The case remains under investigation, including reports of threats and intimidation toward hotel staff. Freundlich faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
