Located in southern Bahia, Itacaré is a small coastal town known for its beaches surrounded by the Atlantic Forest, its hiking trails, and its waves, which have made it one of Brazil’s top surfing destinations. With nearly 30,000 inhabitants, the city has built its identity around tourism, combining preserved nature, vibrant nightlife, and an atmosphere that attracts visitors from different parts of the world.

Over the past two decades, one specific group has stood out in this landscape: Israeli tourists. At certain times of the year, walking through the streets of Itacaré can feel unusual. It is common to hear Hebrew and to see groups of young Israelis who treat the town as a temporary extension of their post-military travels. For some visitors, it can feel, at times, like being in Israel.

This movement went largely unnoticed by many Brazilians until March, when an anti-Zionist demonstration took place in Itacaré. People from outside the city came to promote what they called “ethical tourism,” with the aim of discouraging Israelis from visiting the area.

To better understand this phenomenon and the recent tensions, I spent the last few days in Itacaré speaking with residents, business owners, and tourism workers. Were they, in fact, calling for Israelis to leave? The........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)