Protests in Thailand Force Cancellation of Rosh Hashanah Event at Chabad House

A planned Rosh Hashanah celebration at a Chabad House in Phuket, Thailand, was canceled due to escalating anti-Israel and anti-Jewish protests. Israeli security officials advised against attending the event, warning that demonstrators could become violent. Participants who had registered for the meal received a message stating, "Due to the demand of Israeli security forces, we regretfully must cancel the event." They were also cautioned, "Please do not approach the area, the demonstrators can be violent and it is dangerous."

Chabad representatives indicated that other holiday prayers and meals scheduled to begin the following day were expected to proceed as planned. The cancellation followed a series of protests, including one outside the Israeli embassy in Bangkok, where hundreds gathered. Protest leaders claim their actions are a response to the behavior of foreign tourists, land purchases, and violations of local law.

Originally, approximately one thousand people were expected to attend the Rosh Hashanah events in Patong. Following local pressure, an agreement was reached with authorities to reduce the event to a single location, limit attendance to 800, and conclude by 9:00 PM. The police had planned to deploy additional forces to separate the protest area from the Jewish event.

Israeli and Thai sources are attempting to distinguish between addressing specific offenses by individuals and general hostility towards Israelis and Jews. However, protest organizers have issued warnings of escalating actions, stating, "If the government does not listen to the people, prepare for escalating actions on September 11, wait for the signal." Signs displayed at recent protests included slogans like "No Jews, Get Out" and "No Israel."