Dublin Hotel Accused of Revoking Antisemitism Conference Booking Over Alleged IDF Ties

The Herbert Park Hotel in Dublin reportedly revoked a booking for approximately 70 rooms in October 2026, intended for delegates attending the Special Envoys and Coordinators Combating Antisemitism (SECCA) Forum[1][2][3][8][11][14]. The alleged cancellation followed a hotel manager's inquiry about potential ties between the event and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)[3][8][12][15].

This incident drew condemnation from Jewish leaders and officials, who stated it illustrates the very prejudice the conference aimed to counter, occurring at a time of heightened concern over antisemitism in Ireland[9][10][16].

What records show

Maurice Cohen, chairman of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland, disclosed the incident during a reception at Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs[8][11][14]. Cohen stated that the Herbert Park Hotel in Ballsbridge initially accepted the booking for SECCA Forum delegates[1][3][8][14]. He explained the event was a civilian and diplomatic forum focused on combating antisemitism, held as an Associated Event under Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union[5][7][8][12]. During this discussion, the manager reportedly asked, “Will the IDF be involved?”[3][8][12][15]. A day later, the hotel canceled the reservation[1][3][8][11]. Delegates were subsequently accommodated at a different Dublin hotel, allowing the SECCA Forum to proceed as planned[8].

The cancelled booking

The SECCA Forum, held from October 12 to 14, 2026, brought together special envoys, Jewish community representatives, technology companies, government officials, and civil society organizations from EU member states[5][7][10]. Its agenda focused on “Tackling antisemitism in the digital age” and aimed to strengthen alliances to safeguard Jewish life[6][7]. The event intended to reinforce Ireland's commitment to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism[8]. Cohen publicly questioned the hotel's actions, stating, “How quickly does the word 'Jewish' change a conversation? How easily does a gathering about antisemitism become associated with the Israeli army?”[8]. He also indicated that “every angle will be considered” for potential next steps, including legal action under the Equal Status Acts[13].

Reactions

The European Jewish Congress (EJC) labeled the incident “deeply disturbing”[9][10]. Ireland's Chief Rabbi, Yoni Wieder, described the hotel's decision as an “apparent 'disgrace'”[12]. Former Justice Minister Alan Shatter called the incident “a vile illustration of the issue to be addressed”[16]. These reactions occur as Jewish leaders in Ireland express increasing concern regarding hostility towards Jews[8][16]. Maurice Cohen reported 143 antisemitic incidents in Ireland between July 2025 and January 2026, within a Jewish community estimated to be around 2,200 people[8][18].

What we could not confirm

When approached for comment, the Herbert Park Hotel declined to issue a statement on the allegations[8]. The specific reasons communicated by higher management for the cancellation in their email have not been publicly detailed[12].