A Dublin hotel withdrew from hosting an international event centered on combating antisemitism, canceling about 70 rooms reserved for delegates. This decision followed the hotel’s general manager raising questions about potential involvement of the Israel Defense Forces, as reported by Maurice Cohen, chairman of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland.
Cohen, who discussed the event with hotel representatives on May 7, stated that the gathering was linked to the Special Envoys and Coordinators Combating Antisemitism Conference. This event aimed to bring Jewish leaders, diplomats, and government officials together in Dublin.
According to Cohen, the Herbert Park Hotel, a 4-star establishment in Dublin, initially confirmed the availability of approximately 70 rooms for participants. The hotel’s general manager later asked whether the IDF would participate in the event, altering the tone of the conversation. Cohen found the question surprising and irrelevant to the conference’s purpose.
The day following the meeting, on May 8, organizers were informed via email that the hotel was unable to accommodate their event. Additionally, they were told that the reserved rooms had been automatically released a week prior to the meeting, a detail not mentioned earlier.
The hotel representative gave no comment when contacted about Cohen’s account and the room release.
The hotel’s unexplained cancellation has intensified concerns about antisemitism in Ireland. Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, expressed that if the claims are true, the incident reflects the antisemitism the conference sought to tackle.
During an address at Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Cohen highlighted how quickly discussions changed with the mention of ‘Jewish.’ He criticized the hotel’s management for not recognizing the implications of their actions and called for training on contemporary antisemitism.
Ireland’s Jewish community, comprising about 2,200 people, faces numerous challenges. The Jewish Representative Council of Ireland noted 143 self-reported antisemitic incidents this year, encompassing verbal abuse, threats, and discrimination.
Cohen described the current environment for Jewish and Israeli individuals in Ireland as ‘ambient antisemitism,’ exacerbated since the Hamas attacks on October 7.
Despite several Irish lawmakers reaching out to Cohen personally, no broader public condemnation from the Irish government has been forthcoming. Fox News Digital contacted government entities but received no responses before publication.
The hotel owners also remained unresponsive when approached. Cohen suggests hotel management consult with Jewish representatives to promote understanding and combat antisemitism.
The overall atmosphere for Jewish people in Ireland remains concerning, with many hesitant to be where they feel unwelcome. Cohen continues to advocate for greater awareness and action against antisemitism.
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