Church dissuaded from opposing Israel gala cancellation to prevent religious polarisation: Shanmugam

A church in Singapore was dissuaded from publicly criticising the cancellation of the Friends of Israel Annual Aliyah Gala Dinner, with authorities warning it could provoke religious polarisation, said Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, K Shanmugam.

Speaking on 6 November 2025 during a doorstop at Chesed-El Synagogue, Shanmugam revealed that the church “felt very strongly” about the cancellation but was advised that going public could risk escalating a Christian-Muslim divide.

“But you know, if they went ahead and said that, and if that got support among the Christian community, that would then have become a Christian versus Muslim issue,” he said. “Thankfully, they listened to our advice.”

The Friends of Israel gala was scheduled for 18 November 2025 at the Fullerton Hotel, organised by Keren Hayesod, a government-linked fundraising body based in Israel.

The event was cancelled following online backlash, with critics interpreting it as support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. The Fullerton Hotel clarified it was not a sponsor or organiser.

Pressure and reaction risk fuelling polarisation

Shanmugam cautioned that when one group applies pressure, a reciprocal reaction is likely. “If they managed to persuade a larger group of Christians, then you can see how the situation could have looked,” he said. “Have a care. If pressure is applied, the best organised and largest groups will prevail, and minorities will suffer.”

He reiterated that all Singapore communities must avoid being drawn into conflicts rooted in foreign affairs, and should uphold social cohesion. “We don't bring in foreign conflicts to be against each other. And what happens overseas shall remain overseas,” he said.

Jewish community experiencing hostility and safety concerns

The minister said members of the Jewish community in Singapore have experienced rising discomfort and hostility, particularly in light of developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Shanmugam, who also holds the Home Affairs portfolio, spoke at the synagogue's 120th anniversary and cited specific incidents, including anti-Israel graffiti in school toilets and a motorist shouting "Free Palestine" at a man wearing a kippah near Waterloo Street.

He also referred to a case where a man assaulted another individual wearing a cap resembling the Israeli flag. “Police are investigating. We don’t yet know the full facts... but it’s a worrying trend,” he said.

A Catholic individual was also reportedly condemned for not supporting Palestinians. Shanmugam said these incidents highlight a concerning pattern and emphasised that all Singaporeans must feel safe regardless of religious affiliation.

Government reiterates legal position on Israeli settlements

Addressing the controversy surrounding the gala dinner and related fundraising activities, Shanmugam reaffirmed Singapore's legal and diplomatic stance regarding Israel’s settlement activity.

“Funds raised in Singapore must not support Jewish resettlement in the occupied Palestinian territories or any military operations, directly or indirectly,” he said.

This is in line with a statement made by Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Parliament on 22 September 2025.

He affirmed: “Singapore has consistently held that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. We have voted in support of UN resolutions that reject Israeli settlement activities and have called on Israel to rescind all unilateral measures seeking to change the status of Jerusalem."

He added that the government “opposes ongoing attempts to create new facts on the ground which undermine the prospects for a two-State solution” and will impose targeted sanctions on leaders of radical settler groups or organisations responsible for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

“Details will be announced at a later date,” said Dr Balakrishnan.

Shanmugam acknowledged public sensitivity surrounding the dinner. “If money is channelled towards Jewish resettlement in the occupied Palestinian territories, you can understand that people will feel very unhappy about that,” he said.

Extreme online reactions condemned

While defending the government’s neutral stance, Shanmugam strongly condemned extreme reactions online to the dinner.

“There were calls for the food to be poisoned, for a Palestinian terrorist group to be invited, and for the event to be held in front of an incinerator,” he said, noting the allusion to the Holocaust was particularly disturbing.

“These kinds of comments are completely unacceptable,” he stated, urging Singaporeans to maintain civility and sensitivity even amid international tensions.