The Most Jew-Friendly Countries In Southeast Asia

by Kosher River Cruise Kosher Tour Operator

Jews who are interested in going on Jewish trips to Southeast Asia may be wondering if they will be facing any anti-Semitism during their stay there. While anti-Semitic sentiments (or the lack thereof) in other Asian countries like India or China may be well known to many, the same cannot be said for most of Southeast Asia -- save for a significant few.

This may be because the communities in these areas are quite young; the earliest was established in the 1800s.

Fortunately, the ADL Global 100, which is an online database showing countries that have been surveyed for anti-Semitism, can provide would-be travelers with a good idea of what they may or may not face.

The Friendliest Southeast Asia Countries for Jews

According to ADL’s Anti-Semitism Index, the following countries have the lowest index scores in Southeast Asia:

Singapore: 16%

Thailand: 13%

Vietnam: 6%

Philippines: 3%

Laos: .02% (The lowest in the world)

Save for Singapore and the Philippines, the other countries have very small Jewish communities, with populations numbering in just a few hundred. There are, however, Chabad houses, which are quite active due to the Jewish tourists and businessmen that visit the country.

Major anti-semitic incidents? None whatsoever.

So far, there have been no reports of major anti-semitic violence in the aforementioned countries, but there have been instances of Jews becoming leaders, pioneers, or recievers of aid from local governments.

One such example is David Saul Marshall, an Orthodox Jew who became the first Chief Minister of Singapore in the 1950s, and was later an ambassador for Singapore from the 70s to the 90s.

There was also Jules Rueff, who would promote French trade in the Mekong in the 19th century and started the plan for the Saigon-My Tho railroad. He is considered one of the pioneers of French Indochina, the term for the French territories in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and China.

There is also the story of Manuel Quezon, the president of the Philippines in the 1930s, helping over a thousand Jews escape Shoah by convincing the US government to let them issue Philippine visas to Jewish refugees.

To this day, anti-semitism is far from an issue in these Southeast Asian nations.

A Growing Tourist Destination For Jews

Aside from the Chabad houses in major cities, places that make finding kosher meals and prayer services easier, Jews also have the option of joining a kosher cruise to the Mekong River, which will give them the chance to explore rural areas that are normally difficult to visit due to the scarcity of kosher food. Southeast Asia’s unique cuisines also offer plenty of opportunities for cruise passengers to try kosher versions of the region’s famous dishes.

However, it’s always a good idea to play it safe. Do ask your trusted travel agent first for advice on the best course of action. They’ll also book the right kosher tour group for you, if you’d like.