Bali: It was a routine evening in mid-August when Samir Shafiq, the owner of a popular gym in Bali, heard an argument break out. Three foreign tourists were arguing with one of his Indonesian staff members. As the exchange grew more heated, Shafiq heard what he described as foul language. He approached the men and asked where they were from. They said they were Israeli. He then asked whether they had served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). One initially denied it, while another acknowledged serving as part of Israel's military service. Shafiq told them to leave.
According to Anadolu Agency, Shafiq's interaction with the tourists left him with the impression that the men felt "almost untouchable." The confrontation reflects growing unease in some Asian tourist destinations over Israeli soldiers and veterans arriving after military service, particularly amid Israel's war in Gaza. Payments received after discharge are commonly used by young Israelis to fund long trips abroad, making post-military travel a well-established rite of passage, known as Tiul Gadol, meaning 'big trip' in Hebrew.
On the small surfing island of Siargao in the Philippines, advocate Rich Tuason expressed that unease among some residents has been growing. Tuason noted a "growing sense of restlessness, helplessness and frustration" amongst the locals. However, expressing those concerns publicly can be difficult due to fears of being labeled antisemitic. The concern is not merely the number of Israeli visitors arriving on the island but rather who some of them are and what Siargao is equipped to handle. Tuason highlighted the island's lack of mental health infrastructure, pointing out that while not all Israeli visitors are abusive, incidents of hostility and property damage have been reported.
In India, a network of destinations known as the 'Hummus Trail' has become popular with young Israeli backpackers. Prashant Pundir, a Mumbai-based political activist, noted that wellness retreats, Ayurveda centers, yoga, and meditation are attracting Israelis seeking to heal or decompress after military service. Over time, an ecosystem catering specifically to Israeli travelers has developed along the route, including cafes, Hebrew-speaking spaces, and Chabad houses, prompting complaints from residents.
The unease has also surfaced in Thailand, where hundreds demonstrated outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok, calling on foreign visitors to respect the country's laws and culture. Organizers accused Israeli tourists of breaking domestic laws and showing disrespect for local traditions. Specific incidents have also drawn high-level attention, such as the deportation of an Israeli man from Thailand after a public disturbance involving a Palestinian flag.
As scrutiny of Israeli travelers has spread across parts of Asia, some of those speaking out have faced repercussions. In Bali, Shafiq reported backlash after his confrontation at the gym, with attempts to frame him as an anti-Semite. For Shafiq, the issue is not about religion or nationality but military service, asserting that those who serve in the IDF should not be allowed in certain regions due to ongoing military actions.