Israeli Media Reports Cancellation of Jewish New Year Event in Patong Amid Protests

Phuket—

A planned Rosh Hashanah dinner at the Chabad Center in Patong was abruptly canceled on September 11th, following security concerns raised by Israeli officials. The decision came after hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the center, voicing opposition to the Jewish New Year celebration.

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A local activist group, Protect Phuket Land, has formally petitioned provincial authorities to reconsider the upcoming Jewish New Year festival, Rosh Hashana, scheduled for September 11th, 2026.

Phuket authorities have requested organizers of the upcoming Rosh Hashanah event in Patong to reassess the event due to concerns regarding public safety, the community, and tourism.

The Chabad Patong community has confirmed plans to proceed with its Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) celebration on September 11, despite mounting opposition from local activist groups. Organizers agreed to scale back the event’s scope and duration following tense negotiations with provincial authorities.

The atmosphere outside Chabad Patong grew increasingly active this afternoon as Jewish and Israeli visitors began arriving for a religious ceremony scheduled to start at 4:00 p.m. Local police placed traffic cones along the opposite side of the street to prevent vehicles from parking in the area, though no visible security deployment has yet been observed around the venue.

Local officials in Phuket coordinated a multi-agency operation yesterday afternoon to ensure public safety during a protest against the planned Jewish New Year festival organized by Chabad Patong.

Now for the update:

According to Israeli media, Chabad Patong had initially confirmed the event would proceed with adjusted arrangements, limiting attendance to around 700 participants and hosting the gathering solely at the Patong center between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. However, hours before the dinner, registered guests received messages announcing its cancellation. Organizers cited recommendations from Israeli security personnel, who warned that escalating protests could pose risks of violence.

The demonstration, estimated at 300–500 participants, began at the Dolphin Roundabout before moving toward the Chabad Center. Protesters included Thai Buddhists, Thai Muslims, and foreign residents, many carrying Thai flags, singing the national anthem, and displaying placards calling for the cancellation of the Rosh Hashanah event.

The protest followed earlier actions by the local activist group Protect Phuket Land, which submitted a petition on September 8th urging authorities to reconsider the event. Provincial officials subsequently convened security agencies and invited Chabad representatives to hear concerns about public safety and stability.

Despite those warnings, Chabad initially insisted on proceeding with the celebration. The eventual cancellation, however, has drawn international attention, with Israeli outlets speaking about the rare disruption of a religious observance abroad due to local opposition.

The situation remains under close watch by both local communities and foreign media, showing the sensitive intersection of religious practice, public sentiment, and security in Phuket.