Brazil investigates strife between Israeli tourists and pro-Palestinian residents

Brazilian authorities in Bahia are investigating a series of incidents between Israeli tourists and pro-Palestinian residents, including a confrontation over a mural on a former synagogue house in Itacare and a separate report of sexual harassment. Governor Jeronimo Rodrigues visited the area and called for respectful coexistence, while the state government is reinforcing police in tourist areas.

Brazilian authorities in Bahia state are investigating a series of incidents between Israeli tourists and pro-Palestinian residents that have escalated into a controversy involving local, state and federal authorities. The tensions center on a colonial-style house in the beach city of Itacare that was rented by an Israeli and used as a synagogue. After the lease was not renewed, pro-Palestinian activists painted a watermelon mural on the house, with phrases including "From the river to the sea." A viral video showed a confrontation outside the house, with a woman accusing a group in traditional Jewish attire of wanting to remove the murals. Separately, a woman in Salvador reported being sexually harassed by an Israeli tourist. Governor Jeronimo Rodrigues visited Itacare and said tourists will be treated well but demanded respect for locals. Lawmaker Erika Hilton called for banning soldiers from countries accused of war crimes. The state government is reinforcing police in tourist areas and launching awareness initiatives.