Noy Leyb, a New York-based startup founder, was recently banned from the dating platform, Hinge. The ban came after Leyb posted a profile picture where he was dressed in full Israeli military uniform and holding a machine gun, causing debates among users and earning the attention of the platform.
Hinge declared that Leyb’s photo violated their community guidelines, which explicitly bar any display of firearms or violent images. This step, they explained, is vital in promoting a safe and respectful community and did not reflect any prejudice on part of the platform.
Leyb, however, disagreed with Hinge’s decision and questioned the impartiality of the platform’s guidelines. He claimed the picture was an expression of his national service and was by no means endorsing violence or war. Leyb is a veteran who served in a special reserves unit in the Israel Defense Forces.
The ban came as a surprise to Leyb who viewed the action as a response to his new profile picture. With a sense of irony, Leyb pointed out how his profile got deleted on an app, specifically designed to be deleted when users have found their match.
Post his service in the military, Leyb was looking forward to returning to his life in New York, including dating and was disappointed when his request to reactivate his account on Hinge was declined. He believed Hinge, known for making strong matches based on core beliefs, was the perfect platform for finding a life partner to start a Jewish household.
Unfortunately for Leyb, the ban also extended to the connected app, Tinder. He described the action as Antisemitic, asserting that he had not breached any rules or guidelines. As a result, Leyb has accused Hinge and its parent company, Match Group, of antisemitism.
So far, neither Hinge nor Match Group has issued any statement or clarification regarding Leyb’s violation or the controversy surrounding it.
