Dublin hotel cancels rooms for antisemitism conference

The Herbert Park Hotel in Dublin cancelled a reservation for more than 70 rooms intended for delegates attending a conference to combat antisemitism. The event, organized by the World Jewish Congress and the European Commission, brought together the Special Envoys and Coordinators Combating Antisemitism (SECCA), including diplomats, community leaders, and government ministers.

Maurice Cohen, president of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland, stated that the cancellation occurred after a meeting with the hotel's general manager. Cohen reported that during their discussion regarding the conference rooms, the manager asked, “Will the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] be involved?” Following this inquiry, the hotel informed him the next day that the booking would not be accepted, though no formal reason was provided.

Cohen described the incident as an example of “contemporary antisemitism,” noting that the gathering was intended to address prejudice and was tied to Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. While the hotel did not provide a comment, organizers successfully secured an alternative venue for the delegates.