The Israeli government raised the threat level for travel in Thailand to level two on Nov. 24, meaning that it perceives a “potential threat,” and “it is recommended to take increased precautionary measures.” It also maintained its “high threat” level-four advisory prohibiting travel in southern Thailand.
JNS sought comment from the Israeli embassy in Bangkok about whether the threat relates only to Israelis, or to Jews more broadly.
“The State of Israel issues travel warnings only for its citizens and does not issue travel warnings for citizens of other countries,” Dvora Dorsman-Yarkoni, deputy chief of mission at the embassy, told JNS.
“As part of the travel advisory, it is stated that Jewish symbols should be concealed as part of the necessary precautions,” Dorsman-Yarkoni said. “The reason is that a Jewish symbol, such as a Star of David necklace, is something many Israelis wear, which makes it easier for terrorists to identify Israelis and target them.”
Sadly, Jews worldwide “are less safe these days, as we are witnessing a troubling rise in antisemitism, especially in the Western world,” the Israeli diplomat told JNS.
“I’m happy to say that in Thailand, antisemitism is less noticeable,” she said. “However, I would still recommend that even non-Israeli Jews conceal Jewish symbols, as terrorists might identify them as Israelis.”
