By Julinho Bittencourt
Israeli tourists on Bahia’s coast, especially in Itacaré and Morro de São Paulo, have become a concern for residents, activists and state officials. Many of the visitors are young people traveling after finishing Israel’s mandatory military service. Their arrival has been tied to a string of complaints over tourist behavior, political expression and violence.
Scene from riot between Israeli tourists and local residents in Itacare, Bahia (photo: social media)
The controversy exacerbated in November 2026 when a journalist and activist in Salvador said a man who identified himself as Israeli sexually harassed and followed her. The incident happened in the Barra neighborhood. It led the Bahia State Secretariat of Justice and Human Rights (SJDH) to coordinate measures with other state and federal agencies.
It is not an isolated case amid the sexual harassment complaints reported along the coast. Furthermore, in Itacaré, a group of Israeli tourists was accused of trying to damage an art mural with messages of solidarity with Palestinians. Residents and members of the Palestine Front of Southern Bahia had organized the mural, painted on a historic mansion in the city.
After this series of incidents, the state government announced steps to prevent intolerance, xenophobia and discrimination. The effort involves the state secretariats for Justice and Human Rights, Women’s Policies and Tourism, along with the Public Safety Secretariat and federal agencies.
Sexual Harassment Complaint in Salvador
Journalist and publicist Carolina Carvalho, 33, said two men approached her as she walked through Barra, in Salvador, on Friday. According to her account, one of them said he was Israeli. He began commenting on her appearance and asking where she lived.
Carvalho said she tried to end the conversation, but the man kept pressing. When he saw she was not responding to his advances, he began insulting her and following her down the street. She said the tourist also accused her of racism and antisemitism and started filming her with his phone.
She went to the 14th Territorial Police Station in Barra and filed a police report. The Civil Police said they are investigating and will take steps to identify the suspect.
The next day, Carvalho also sent a complaint to the Foreign Ministry. She asked it to consider raising the matter with the Israeli Embassy and to coordinate measures to prevent harassment and protect women.
The Justice and Human Rights Secretariat said it is following the case. Together with the Women’s Policies Secretariat, it is assisting her. She is also expected to be heard by the State Council for the Defense of Human Rights.
Dispute Over Mural in Itacaré
Another episode raised tensions on October 30. Israeli tourists were accused of trying to erase an artistic intervention on a historic mansion in Itacaré. The Palestine Front of Southern Bahia had organized the painting. It carried messages of solidarity with Palestinians, along with references to Brazilian cultural identity.
Mariá Veiga, a teacher and activist with the group, told Brazilian news outlet Opera Mundi that a group of visitors went to the building at night and tried to paint over the mural. That led to an argument with people in the square, and a verbal confrontation was caught on videos that circulated on social media.
The mural included symbols of Palestinian resistance, among them a watermelon, along with political slogans. One phrase in the painting, “From the river to the sea,” also drew criticism from Israeli tourists.
The mansion’s owner said he had allowed paintings related to Itacaré’s landscape and identity, but not the political messages added later. He asked for the facade to be repainted.
The city government said it was not part of the agreement for the mural. It said disputes tied to the conflict in the Middle East should not be brought into the city. It also condemned violence and discrimination against people of any nationality.
How Morro de São Paulo Became a Destination for Israelis
Morro de São Paulo’s popularity among young Israelis comes from a mix of cultural, tourism and economic factors. One major boost came from the Israeli TV series Malabi Express, filmed on the island in 2012 and later broadcast in Israel.
The show followed young people traveling to Brazil after finishing mandatory military service. Its story helped make the Bahian destination a reference point for Israeli audiences. It also spurred sales of tour packages aimed at that type of traveler.
In Israel, military service is mandatory for most men and women. After their time in the Israel Defense Forces, many young people save money for a long trip abroad. Taking a big trip after the army is a tradition among part of Israeli youth.
Brazil draws them with its tropical climate, beaches, nature and a cost of living seen as more affordable than other countries. Besides Morro de São Paulo and Itacaré, other South American destinations also attract this crowd.
Israelis make up a significant share of tourism in Morro de São Paulo. In 2024, in the period after Carnival, visitors from Israel were 54% of the international tourists on the island, according to a survey published by g1. In 2025, the destination received about 15,000 Israeli visitors, or 21.36% of its international visitors, according to data from the Cairu Tourism Secretariat.
The concentration occurs mainly from late summer through the first months of the year. That period coincides with fewer Brazilian tourists after Carnival.
Businesses Adapt to Foreign Visitors
The flow of visitors has also changed the business landscape in both towns. Inns, restaurants, bars and travel agencies now offer services aimed at Israeli visitors, including menus and information in Hebrew.
Some businesses also serve traditional Jewish dishes and offer services tied to Shabbat. Shabbat is the weekly day of religious rest that Jews observe from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday.
This article first appeared in Revista Fórum, was translated with express authorization by its editor-in-chief by Panamerican Dispatch, and can be read in its original Portuguese here.
Not only is it the responsability of states signatories to the Genocide Convention to investigate and prosecute war criminals entering their territory, but also their own nationals serving in the IOF. In the case of Brazil over a thousand IOF soldiers hold Brazilian citizenship, many of these supremacist war criminals can be easily prosecuted.
To all genuine true-blue red-blooded American patriots, clean your house.
Against all enemies foreign and DOMESTIC. Where is your bravery, allegiance, & freedom?
Zionist evil must be abolished from Palestine, American soil, and the planet itself. Good people of the world, rise up, & rise up now.
Revolt & overthrow this evil or perish in the flames of its tyranny. Start up the militias.
Liberty calls the brave.
Revolution is the solution.🇺🇲🗽