Chabad House in Southern Sri Lanka Faces Protests and Threats from Local Residents

The recently opened Chabad House in Hiriketiya, southern Sri Lanka, which serves Israeli tourists by providing kosher food and a safe gathering place, has encountered escalating hostility from some local villagers. Over recent days, the site has been targeted with threats and harassment, culminating in a protest on Friday led by Buddhist monks demanding authorities verify the legality of the Chabad House's operations and shut it down if found unauthorized.

During the protest, demonstrators played loud music, threw firecrackers into the compound, and later stones were hurled at the premises. Israeli visitors heading to the Friday night Shabbat meal were stopped by protesters and told to turn back, with firecrackers detonated near some guests to intimidate them. On Saturday night, the situation worsened when several Israelis leaving the Chabad House were threatened with sticks. The local police increased their presence, temporarily calming tensions.

Chabad representatives warned that these actions pose a serious threat to their emissaries, their families, and Israeli tourists. They called urgently for intervention from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Israeli embassy, and Sri Lankan authorities to provide permanent security, enhance police monitoring, and investigate the violent incidents. They emphasized the need for immediate measures to ensure the safety of all visitors.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan media criticized some Israeli tourists for aggressive behavior and a sense of entitlement over local beaches, which allegedly deters other tourists. Reports also accused Israeli-run businesses of operating without proper licenses, employing Israelis without work permits, constructing unauthorized buildings along the coast, and restricting local residents' access. Some media outlets controversially claimed that many of these Israelis suffer psychological trauma from alleged war crimes committed during their service in the Israel Defense Forces.

The protesting Buddhist monks and residents urged authorities to thoroughly examine the Chabad House’s legal status and take appropriate action, including eviction if it is found to be operating without required permits.