Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Israel Raises Alarm Over Protest at Sri Lankan Jewish Site
Hundreds of Buddhist monks protested outside a Jewish community centre in Sri Lanka.
The centre is called a Chabad House and is in Hiriketiya.
It opened only about two weeks before the protest.
The protesters wanted the centre to close.
They also blocked people from entering it.
The centre is meant to provide services for the Jewish community.
Israel’s diplomatic mission said it was worried about the demonstration.
A US official asked Sri Lankan authorities to protect the Jewish community.
Israel does not have a building for an embassy in Sri Lanka, so its embassy in New Delhi represents it there.
Hundreds of Buddhist monks protested against a Chabad House in Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka, last Friday.
The protesters demanded that the centre, which opened two weeks earlier, be closed.
The demonstration blocked access to the site, which provides community services to Jews.
Israel’s diplomatic mission expressed concern, citing Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun of the US State Department.
Israel has no physical embassy in Sri Lanka and is represented there by its embassy in New Delhi.
- Who
- Hundreds of Buddhist monks, the Jewish community, Israel’s diplomatic mission, and Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun of the US Department of State.
- What
- A demonstration was held against a newly opened Chabad House, with protesters demanding its closure and blocking access.
- When
- The demonstration took place last Friday; related statements were issued Wednesday and Thursday.
- Where
- Hiriketiya, in Sri Lanka’s Southern province.
- Why
- The monks demanded that the Chabad House close, while officials expressed concern about the safety and security of Sri Lanka’s Jewish community.
Protesters’ Position
Officials’ Concerns
Whether the centre should remain open
Protesters’ Position
The Buddhist monks demanded the closure of the Chabad House, which had opened two weeks earlier.
Officials’ Concerns
Israel’s diplomatic mission and Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun focused on protecting the Jewish community and did not support targeting the Jewish site.
Access to the site
Protesters’ Position
The protesters blocked access to the centre during the demonstration.
Officials’ Concerns
Officials urged local authorities to ensure safety and security, implying that access and protection should be maintained.
- Protesters
- Hundreds of Buddhist monks
- Target
- A Chabad House in Hiriketiya
- Opening date
- The centre opened two weeks before the demonstration
- Protest action
- Demonstrators blocked access to the centre
- Israeli representation
- Israel is represented in Sri Lanka by its Embassy in New Delhi
- US official
- Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism
- Official concern
- Authorities were urged to ensure the safety and security of Sri Lanka’s Jewish community