Holiday Feast in Thailand Canceled Amid Security Concerns Over Protests

A holiday feast planned by the Chabad center in Phuket, Thailand, was canceled on Friday evening due to demands from local security officials. The cancellation came in response to a planned protest outside the venue, with organizers citing potential violence from demonstrators.

Chabad informed registered Israeli guests that the event was off, advising them to stay away from the area due to the risk of encountering violent protesters. "Please do not approach the area, the demonstrators can be violent and it is dangerous," the message read. Despite the cancellation, Chabad assured that other holiday prayers and meals would proceed as scheduled starting Saturday.

Israeli travelers in Phuket described the situation, with one noting the presence of Thai police near the Chabad center and food being distributed externally. Another traveler mentioned receiving notifications of a postponement followed by a cancellation, observing that while a protest had occurred earlier, the street appeared quiet. Israelis who were meant to attend the meal dispersed to other Israeli gathering spots.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened security alertness in Israel during the holiday period. Israeli security agencies have been preparing for various potential scenarios, including missile launches from Iran and attacks against Israeli or Jewish targets abroad. However, officials have not identified any specific, immediate threats at this time.