A former employee has filed a lawsuit against El Al Israel Airlines Ltd., Kenny Rozenberg, Omry Cohen, and Mordechay Elmaliah, alleging extensive workplace discrimination and retaliation.
Plaintiff Tania Quintal's lawsuit accuses El Al Israel Airlines and its executives of engaging in unlawful employment practices that include discrimination based on race, sex, age, religion, and national origin. The complaint details numerous instances where Quintal claims she was overlooked for promotions in favor of less qualified individuals who were predominantly younger Jewish males. For example, despite her exemplary performance record and extensive experience since joining the company in 1996, she alleges being passed over for managerial positions multiple times in favor of younger male colleagues with less seniority. The complaint highlights an incident where Quintal was promised a promotion to Deputy Station Manager at JFK Airport but received only increased responsibilities without corresponding pay or official recognition.
Quintal also recounts hostile work environment conditions exacerbated by verbal assaults from her supervisor, Mordechay Elmaliah. In one notable incident on October 15, 2023, Elmaliah allegedly berated her publicly until security intervened. Further allegations include being denied fair compensation during the COVID-19 pandemic while other employees faced lesser pay cuts or continued receiving benefits.
The plaintiff seeks monetary damages totaling $11 million across various claims, including race discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and violations of New York State Executive Law § 296 and New York City Human Rights Law. Additionally, she demands declaratory relief affirming that the defendants' actions violated constitutional rights and statutory protections against employment discrimination.
Quintal is represented by attorneys Rocco G. Avallone and Christopher F. Bellistri of Avallone & Bellistri LLP. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case ID 1:25-cv-01434.