In an exclusive interview with Jaffna Monitor, Israel’s Ambassador to India and Non-resident Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Bhutan, Reuven Azar, highlighted the historical and cultural connections between the Jewish community and the Jaffna Tamils, while emphasizing Israel’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and sustainable growth. Ambassador Azar, a seasoned diplomat with over three decades of experience in shaping Israel’s foreign policy across Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, brought attention to the shared values of resilience, education, and societal contribution that unite these two communities.
Ambassador Azar reflected on the striking intellectual and cultural affinities between Jews and Jaffna Tamils, noting that both communities have demonstrated remarkable perseverance and a long-standing tradition of excellence in medicine, law, engineering, and academia. “These shared values create a natural sense of mutual respect,” he said, emphasizing that such parallels provide fertile ground for deeper people-to-people engagement and cultural dialogue.
Speaking on the Jewish presence in Sri Lanka, Ambassador Azar revealed that historical records show thriving communities in cities such as Colombo and Jaffna, dating back to the 9th and 12th centuries. These communities, often composed of merchants from Persia, Yemen, and other parts of the diaspora, left behind synagogues and a well-established communal life. However, colonial influence, religious assimilation, intermarriage, and migration over time led to the gradual disappearance of these distinct Jewish communities. “While the physical traces may have diminished, the historical presence of Jews in Sri Lanka is a testament to the deep interconnectedness of our cultures,” he added.
The Ambassador also addressed the growing popularity of Sri Lanka among Israeli tourists. From destinations like Arugam Bay to Ella, Israelis are drawn to the country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and welcoming communities. Israeli tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka have risen steadily, from 19,500 in 2023 to 25,000 in 2024, contributing significantly to local businesses, employment, and long-term cultural exchange. “Their presence strengthens the broader relationship between our two countries in a meaningful and sustainable way,” he noted.
Beyond tourism, Ambassador Azar outlined areas of potential economic cooperation between Israel and Sri Lanka, including agriculture, water management, healthcare, cybersecurity, clean energy, and education. He highlighted Israel’s expertise in drip irrigation, desalination, and agri-tech innovation as tools that could help Sri Lanka enhance food security, improve yields, and manage water resources efficiently, particularly in climate-vulnerable northern and eastern provinces. Israeli capacity-building programs, such as those led by MASHAV, have already provided Sri Lankan professionals with hands-on experience in these areas.
On regional cooperation, Ambassador Azar emphasized India’s role as a facilitating partner, noting opportunities for triangular collaboration in agriculture, water management, and innovation. He also commented on Sri Lanka’s engagement with China, stressing that Israel respects the country’s sovereign decisions and is focused on supporting regional stability, sustainable development, and mutual respect among nations.
Addressing concerns about opposition to Israeli tourists in some segments of Sri Lankan society, Ambassador Azar attributed these sentiments to a minority importing foreign conflicts for political purposes. He stressed that dialogue, cultural exchange, and mutual respect remain key to fostering understanding. Despite not having a resident embassy in Colombo, the Israeli mission in Delhi continues active engagement with Sri Lankan authorities, civil society, and the private sector, with the possibility of reopening a mission in the future.
Finally, on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Ambassador Azar described Israel’s approach as a combination of military pressure and negotiations aimed at dismantling terrorist capabilities while minimizing civilian harm. He expressed hope for lasting peace through a non-belligerent self-rule in Gaza or, if necessary, permanent Israeli control, noting that the humanitarian crisis remains a central concern.
