Phuket Chabad House cancels Rosh Hashanah meal following anti-Israel protest

The Chabad House in Phuket, Thailand, canceled its Rosh Hashanah meal for hundreds of Israelis after an anti-Israel protest near the site. Protesters chanted slogans including "Free Palestine" and carried signs reading "SAVE PHUKET NO ISRAEL." The protest organizers issued a message with antisemitic language, describing the event as protecting Thai traditions from foreign disturbances. Local police were deployed following the demonstration.

The Chabad House in Phuket, Thailand, canceled its Rosh Hashanah meal planned for Friday evening, September 11, 2026, following a heated anti-Israel protest near the site. The event was originally planned for around 1,000 participants at the Chabad House and a nearby hotel and was expected to continue until midnight. Thai authorities had approved the gathering with certain restrictions after a local group called "Save Phuket" petitioned to cancel it over security concerns, but they rejected the request. The protest took place Friday, with Thai media reporting that more than 500 people marched from Patong Beach toward the Chabad House while carrying signs reading "SAVE PHUKET NO ISRAEL." Protesters chanted slogans including "Free Palestine." Local police were deployed to the area following the demonstration. The protest organizers later issued a more severe message that included antisemitic language: "We are monitoring the situation surrounding the Jewish New Year event in the Patong area. These Jews are staying inside their mansions. They will not go outside." The organizers attempted to justify their actions by describing the protest as "an important step in protecting the traditions and customs of the Thai people from disturbances by foreigners." No public announcement has been made so far regarding a complete cancellation of the meal.