Police guards for Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka

As the war between Israel and Hamas wages ever more furiously, its effects are being felt in different ways in various other countries. There have already been angry demonstrations of support for both sides, sometimes leading to violence.

There have been protests in support of both Israel and Palestine in Sri Lanka as well, though thankfully, there have not been competing demonstrations at the same location and no violence.

However, there is tension.

Arugam Bay

Police were so concerned over the safety of Israeli tourists during the early days of the war that the few Israeli tourists who were left were watched over by Police guards.

This was after an incident where a

Sri Lankan man, who Police said was under the influence of liquor, had berated a group of female

Israeli tourists. He was promptly arrested. Many of the Israeli tourists are now staying along the southern coast for the winter season.

Some Israeli tourists meanwhile have also taken a hardline stance. The Sunday Times has seen images from social media groups of Israeli tourists where some have shared posts of Sri Lankans who they have associated with previously, including names and personal details of taxi drivers and yoga instructors, urging their fellow countrymen and women not to do business with them as they support “Palestine,” “Terrorists” or “Gaza.”

The polarisation has reached such levels that even sharing a social media post expressing support for Palestine or on the plight of those in Gaza could be construed as supporting 'Hamas' and 'Terrorism'. The same problem is seen in many other parts of the globe. The fact that you can support Palestine while condemning the atrocities of Hamas or that you can condemn the horrendous Israeli massacres of Palestinian civilians, while also expressing sympathy with innocent Israelis victims of Hamas attacks is lost on many.

The polarisation has reached such levels that even sharing a social media post expressing support for Palestine or on the plight of those in Gaza could be construed as supporting 'Hamas' and 'Terrorism'.