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The new Chabad House in Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka, has become the center of an unusual confrontation after a group of local residents demonstrated outside the building, threatened Jews who arrived for prayers, threw firecrackers and rocks, and caused damage to the building’s windows.

The new Chabad House in Hiriketiya recently opened with the required permits, with the goal of providing Jewish travelers in the area with services including prayers, Shabbos meals and other Jewish needs. However, over the past weekend, the Shluchim were forced to deal with violent opposition from a group of local residents.

According to reports, approximately 200 protesters arrived at the location on Friday night, following protests that had been circulating on social media in the days leading up to the opening of the Chabad House. Some locals claimed that the facility was operating illegally and that the presence of Israeli tourists could harm tourism in the area. Chabad, however, emphasized that the facility had opened with the necessary permits.

The situation escalated when protesters began threatening Jews arriving at the Chabad House and later threw firecrackers and rocks toward the building. Several windows were damaged in the incident. Local police were called to the scene and dispersed the protesters, but on Motzoei Shabbos, the group returned in larger numbers and the confrontation resumed.

Rabbi Yossi Gabai, said that approximately 30 Jews participated in the Shabbos meal, most of them Israelis, but that the atmosphere was extremely tense. According to Rabbi Gabai, people were afraid to come to the Chabad House because of the protest and threats. Despite the incidents, he emphasized that the Shluchim remain determined to continue their activities and will not leave the area.

According to Rabbi Gabai, “The fuel here is antisemitism.” He added that the Chabad House had not expected the intensity of the opposition, particularly after the facility had opened legally. He noted that even before a Chabad House sign had been installed on the building, the violent incidents had already begun.

Meanwhile, Chabad representatives contacted the Sri Lankan authorities and Israel’s Foreign Ministry and updated them on the developments. According to reports, the country’s central authorities have expressed support, while efforts are underway to increase security around the Chabad House and prevent similar incidents from occurring again.

Hiriketiya is a popular coastal town in southern Sri Lanka that has become an increasingly sought-after destination for tourists from around the world, particularly surfers and young travelers.

The opening of the Chabad House is part of the broader Chabad presence throughout Sri Lanka, where additional Chabad Houses operate and provide Jewish services to travelers and local Jews.

Despite the protests and threats, activity at the Chabad House in Hiriketiya continues, with the Shluchim making clear that they do not intend to give up on the Jewish presence in the area.

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