Israel Warns Citizens Abroad to Avoid Public Passover Events

Israel’s National Security Council issued a public advisory on Wednesday calling on Israelis abroad to avoid attending Passover events that are not secured or are held in open or public spaces, citing a heightened global threat environment.

The warning comes as Israel assesses that the ongoing war with Iran is increasing the risk of attacks against Israelis and Jewish communities worldwide, particularly during holidays that draw large public gatherings. “We strongly recommend not attending Passover events that are unsecured or held in open, public spaces,” the NSC said.

Officials pointed to a series of recent attacks in Europe as evidence of the growing threat. In Belgium, an explosion targeted a synagogue in Liege. In the Netherlands, authorities reported an arson attack on a synagogue in Rotterdam and an explosion at a Jewish school in Amsterdam, with suspects arrested in connection with the incidents. According to the NSC, “Throughout Passover … there are large gatherings of Israelis abroad. These constitute potential targets for terrorists, both organized and lone-wolf attackers.”

Israeli officials have linked the rising threat level to Iran and its regional network. “The ongoing war with Iran increases the threat of terrorism against Israelis abroad,” the NSC stated, adding that Tehran is expected to intensify efforts to carry out attacks overseas, both through organized proxies and individual actors. Israeli government assessments have described a pattern of incidents targeting Jewish communities in recent weeks.

The advisory also outlined specific geographic concerns. Israelis were urged to avoid participating in events in countries surrounding Iran, including Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Gulf states, where officials warned of a risk of “kinetic attacks” by Iranian elements. Increased caution was also recommended in parts of Asia, including Thailand, India, and the Philippines. The NSC further advised against staying in Sinai, except for transit to or from Taba Airport, and recommended avoiding flight connections through countries with a Level 4 threat warning.

In addition to geographic guidance, the NSC issued practical security recommendations. It urged Israelis to avoid posting real-time information about their location or travel plans on social media, refrain from visiting unsecured sites associated with Israeli or Jewish life, remain alert in places such as synagogues and Chabad houses, report any suspicious activity to local authorities, and avoid entering areas with known hostility toward Israelis or Jews.

Authorities in Europe have already taken steps to reinforce security around Jewish institutions following the recent incidents. Belgium has deployed soldiers to guard synagogues and other community sites in major cities, with Defense Minister Theo Francken saying the move was intended to ensure that “safety is a basic right.”

The NSC noted that the Passover period, along with upcoming holidays such as Shavuot, Memorial Day, and Independence Day, is expected to draw large gatherings of Israelis abroad, increasing potential exposure to threats. Officials warned that the current risk environment is likely to persist in the coming weeks and urged Israelis and Jewish communities to maintain heightened vigilance.