Fernanda Melchionna and PSOL lawmakers seek probe into allegations involving Israeli tourists in Bahia

A group of lawmakers from Brazil’s Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL) has asked the federal government to investigate alleged crimes involving Israeli tourists vacationing in Bahia. The request, announced Monday, Nov. 9, was directed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Tourism. Federal deputy Fernanda Melchionna said the lawmakers want an investigation, steps to prevent further incidents and protection for victims. The allegations include assault and sexual harassment, particularly in Morro de São Paulo, on Tinharé Island.

Melchionna said in a statement on X that Israeli tourists, many of whom she described as former military personnel, have long visited Bahia, especially Morro de São Paulo. She said reports of assault and violence were increasing and cited a recent allegation of sexual harassment involving a Salvador resident. “It is unacceptable for former Israeli military personnel to come to Brazil and repeat forms of violence they are known for around the world,” she said, calling for investigations and measures to prevent harm and protect victims. These are allegations, and the claims about tourists’ backgrounds and conduct were made by the lawmaker.

Reports involving Israeli visitors gained attention in late October after a dispute over a pro-Palestinian mural on a historic building in Itacaré. The artwork included a watermelon, a symbol associated with Palestinian resistance, and the phrase “From the river to the sea.” The article described the phrase as a political slogan referring to a proposed Palestinian state across the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, including present-day Israel. Some Israeli visitors viewed the words as antisemitic and as a call to destroy Israel. A group of tourists tried to remove the paintings and posters. The building’s owner, who said he had authorized artwork about the town’s identity but not political messages, later painted over the facade. Local residents and pro-Palestinian activists have characterized the situation as “predatory tourism.”

On Friday, Nov. 6, 33-year-old publicist Carolina Carvalho said on social media that two Israeli men approached her while she was walking in Salvador’s Barra neighborhood. She alleged that one commented on her appearance and repeatedly asked where she lived. When she did not answer, he allegedly insulted her and accused her of racism and antisemitism. Carvalho filed a police report at the 14th Territorial Police Station in Barra and contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bahia’s Civil Police said it is investigating. According to the report, two men had unwanted physical contact with the woman before making offensive remarks; investigators are working to identify the suspects and clarify what happened.

Federal deputy Erika Hilton, also a PSOL member, contacted Bahia’s Public Security Secretariat and the Foreign Ministry to demand urgent action. She said many Israeli tourists vacationing in Brazil, particularly in Bahia, were current or former military personnel. Hilton also accused Israel’s military of committing crimes against humanity and alleged that the dehumanization of victims is encouraged and defended by the Israeli state. In a social media post, she said she had asked the Foreign Ministry to bar entry to soldiers from any country accused of war crimes by international bodies, including Israel.

Bahia’s Secretariat of Justice and Human Rights said it was monitoring reports of hostility involving tourists and residents in Itacaré and Morro de São Paulo, and that the Civil Police were investigating the cases. Israeli visitors, including young people who have completed mandatory military service, have traveled to the area for years. Earlier this year, Israeli soldier Yuval Vagdani was vacationing in Morro de São Paulo when a Brazilian court ordered the Federal Police to investigate him. The Hind Rajab Foundation had accused him of war crimes and human rights violations in the Gaza Strip. After the case drew attention, Vagdani left Brazil before investigators could take action, with help from Israel’s Embassy in Brasília. In response to the mural dispute, the Israelite Confederation of Brazil condemned damage to property and said Israeli tourists viewed the slogan as threatening or offensive. It also noted the longstanding presence of Israeli visitors and the local community’s traditional hospitality. It concluded that supporting Palestinians and respecting Israelis and Jews are not mutually exclusive. Itacaré’s city government condemned violence, intolerance and discrimination, while saying the municipality should not take an institutional position on Israel and Palestine.