Israel Security Forces Cancel Passover Feast for 2,000 Israelis in Phuket

A Passover holiday meal planned for approximately 2,000 Israelis at the Chabad center in Phuket, Thailand, was canceled Friday evening following a demand from Israeli security officials. The cancellation came after a pro-Palestinian demonstration took place in the area earlier, during which chants of "Free Palestine" were heard. In a message sent to registered Israeli travelers, the event's organizers cited security concerns, warning that protesters could become violent.

"Dear guests, due to the demand of Israeli security forces, we regretfully must cancel the event," the message stated. "Please do not approach the area, the protesters can be violent and it is dangerous." Chabad requested that Israelis inform other travelers planning to attend and clarified that other holiday prayers and meals, starting Saturday, were expected to proceed as usual.

The cancellation caused frustration and anger among many Israelis in the region, with hundreds already preparing to attend the holiday meal. The incident, coupled with the demonstration, led to disappointment among thousands of Israelis vacationing in Thailand, forcing some to alter their holiday plans on short notice.

The decision was made for security reasons, not by Chabad itself, according to the notification. Security officials aimed to prevent Israelis from entering the area where the protest was occurring, fearing potential clashes or harm. This cancellation occurs amid a noticeable increase in anti-Israeli sentiment in Thailand recently.

Just the day before, hundreds protested outside the Israeli embassy in Bangkok against the behavior of some Israelis in the country. Protestors held signs reading "Boycott Israel," "Thailand is not for sale," and "Israelis, respect the Thai people." One sign specifically addressed Jewish people, urging them to leave the country. The protest was led by Sonthi Limthongkul, a prominent figure in Thailand's "Yellow Shirt" movement, and other nationalist activists.

Protesters claimed that foreigners, including Israelis, use Thai citizens as "fronts" to operate businesses and hold property in violation of local laws, particularly in tourist areas like Phuket and Koh Phangan. They called for increased enforcement by authorities. In response to the protests, Israel's Deputy Ambassador to Thailand, Rami Tzafrir, released a video in Thai addressing the local public. He assured that the embassy takes complaints about Israeli tourist behavior seriously, cooperates with Thai authorities, and has issued a code of conduct for Israelis emphasizing respect for local laws, culture, and customs.