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MK Maoz: “The Government Must Assist the Shluchim Under Attack in Sri Lanka”

Firecrackers were thrown into the courtyard of a Chabad House in Sri Lanka and stones were hurled at the building, alongside demonstrations by local residents calling for the Chabad House to be closed. MK Avi Maoz urgently appealed to Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to act swiftly with the local authorities: “Israel must ensure the safety of the Shluchim and Israelis before, G-d forbid, there are casualties.” • Read More

A particularly tense weekend unfolded at the Chabad House in Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka, which opened only about a month ago under the leadership of Shliach Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Gabai.

During Shabbos, firecrackers and stones were thrown at the Chabad House building, while Israelis who came to the Chabad House for Shabbos meals encountered harassment and threats.

The incidents took place against the backdrop of a local protest against the Chabad House. Over the weekend, local residents and Buddhist monks demonstrated outside the building and called for it to be closed.

The protest has drawn attention in the area and increased tensions surrounding the Chabad House’s activities, which serves as a hub for Jews staying in the region.

Against the backdrop of the incidents, MK Avi Maoz, chairman of the Noam party, sent an urgent appeal to Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, calling for immediate intervention with the authorities in Sri Lanka.

MK Maoz warned that the situation could deteriorate and demanded that the Foreign Ministry act now. “I request your urgent intervention with the authorities in Sri Lanka to ensure the safety of the Rebbe’s Shluchim and the Israelis in the area, before, G-d forbid, there are casualties or damage to property,” he wrote.

In his letter, MK Maoz emphasized the vital role Chabad Houses play for Israelis and Jews around the world. He noted that in places where there is no Israeli diplomatic representation, the Rebbe’s Shluchim provide practical assistance to Israelis and serve as a central address for them.

“It is the responsibility of Israel to do everything in its power to assist the Rebbe’s Shluchim, ensure their safety, and make certain that they can continue their sacred and important work in complete security,” wrote the chairman of the Noam party.

The latest incidents come in continuation of tensions reported last week, when signs were posted around Hiriketiya stating that the Chabad House was not welcome in the area. As previously reported, the signs, written in Sinhala, English and Hebrew, called on authorities to prevent Israeli Jews from establishing a synagogue in Hiriketiya. The developments have raised further concerns for the safety of the Shluchim and the Jewish and Israeli visitors who rely on the Chabad House.