A Dublin hotel canceled a block booking of 70 rooms for delegates attending an international conference on combating antisemitism after learning the purpose of their visit, according to Irish Jewish community leader Maurice Cohen.

Cohen, chairman of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland, disclosed the incident during a reception at Ireland’s Foreign Ministry marking the opening of the conference.

According to Cohen, the Herbert Park Hotel in Dublin’s Ballsbridge neighborhood initially approved the booking for representatives from all 27 European Union countries, but reversed its decision once staff understood the nature of the gathering.

Hotel management also asked whether the conference had any connection to the IDF, despite it being an entirely civilian and diplomatic event with no military affiliation.

The delegates traveled to Ireland for the 15th meeting of the Special Envoys and Coordinators Combating Antisemitism network, known as SECCA, which is supported by the World Jewish Congress and the European Commission.

The gathering is taking place during Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union. Hosting the conference in Dublin was intended to underscore Ireland’s commitment to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism.

The cancellation comes amid mounting concerns within Ireland’s Jewish community over anti-Israel boycotts and antisemitic harassment.

Other incidents have included the cancellation of a play about the October 7 attacks and decisions by public broadcaster RTÉ to withhold participation in Eurovision and decline coverage of a soccer match because of Israeli involvement.

Irish national soccer players also reportedly disrespected Israel’s national anthem and refused to shake hands with Israeli players.

Jewish community members have meanwhile warned of increasing violence and harassment, including assaults and incidents in which Jews were spat at in public places and aboard buses across Ireland.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)