US spiritual hot springs retreat discriminated against Jewish musician, lawsuit says

A lawsuit filed last week that aims to expand civil rights protections for US Jews claims that a “spirit-oriented” hot springs retreat in California discriminated against a Jewish musician due to his Zionism.

Mikey Pauker, a Jewish rock musician, said the Harbin Hot Springs Retreat Center canceled his 2024 Hanukkah concert after online criticism of his Zionism, causing him emotional distress and financial losses. He described the cancellation as a “tipping point” after experiencing years of antisemitism in the music world.

“It’s a heartbreaking case for me because I’ve spent so much time there. It’s a place that I receive so much rejuvenation,” Pauker said in an interview. “I feel like it’s got to stop with me, and I’m done laying down.”

The defendant in the lawsuit is Heart Consciousness Church, the nonprofit owner and operator of the 3,000-acre Harbin Hot Springs Retreat Center in Middletown, California, north of San Francisco. The center hosts guests and provides entertainment and activities such as concerts, dances, yoga, holidays, “moon ceremonies,” and clothing-optional sunbathing and spa services. Other defendants include activists who pressured the center to drop Pauker’s show.

more: https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-spiritual-hot-springs-retreat-discriminated-against-jewish-musician-lawsuit-says/