Israel Embassy Sounds Alarm Over Protest at Jewish Site in Sri Lanka

Colombo: The Israel embassy on Thursday expressed concern over a demonstration against a Jewish cultural site in Sri Lanka, citing a statement by a US State Department official. Israel has no physical embassy in Sri Lanka. It is officially represented in Sri Lanka by the Embassy of Israel in New Delhi.

The embassy issued a statement citing a statement by Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism at the US Department of State, who raised concern over the protest against a Jewish site in Sri Lanka.

"Concerned by reports of a demonstration targeting a Jewish site in Sri Lanka. I urge local authorities to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish community in Sri Lanka," Kaploun posted on X on Wednesday.

The concerns followed a demonstration held by hundreds of Buddhist monks last Friday against a Chabad House in Hiriketiya town of the Southern province.

They demanded the closure of the centre, which opened only two weeks ago.

The protesters had blocked access to the centre meant to provide community services to the Jewish community.