In a significant international political move, the Maldives has decided to ban Israeli citizens from entering the country, citing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. This announcement was made by President Mohamed Muizzu, who stated that the decision follows a recommendation from his cabinet.
The Maldives has a history of supporting Palestine and has often been critical of Israeli actions in the region. The recent escalation in Gaza, which has seen intense fighting and significant casualties, has further strained relations. President Muizzu emphasized that the ban reflects the country’s stance against the Israeli military operations in Gaza and is a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The Maldives’ decision has broader implications, reflecting the growing tensions and geopolitical shifts in the region. Israel’s Foreign Ministry has responded by advising its citizens to avoid travel to the Maldives, indicating a possible diplomatic fallout.
In 2023, nearly 11,000 Israeli tourists visited the Maldives, accounting for approximately 0.6% of the total tourist arrivals. The Maldives’ tourism sector, renowned for its luxury resorts and pristine beaches, will be impacted by this ban, as the nation continues to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape.
Over the last few years, a number of high end resorts have been offering kosher dining services to Jewish travelers across the Maldives archipelago.
Resorts like Joali, Six Senses, Four Seasons, Conrad, Sheraton, W, and many other local resorts across the islands offer kosher meals of various tiers.
DansDeals recommends closer to home (for North Americans) over-water bungalow resorts like “Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals South Shore Jamaica, and Sandals S. Lucia. You may be able to negotiate food from local Chabad Houses to be included in the all-inclusive rate as well or you can always contact a local Chabad for information on purchasing meals from them.” Reach out to Rabbi Avrumi Super, the Chabad rabbi of St. Lucia for kosher on these islands.
While non-Israeli Jews are still technically allowed to enter the Maldives, this doesn’t appear to be the right time or place for any Jew to be headed in this direction. With so many other upscale resorts & hotels around the world looking to bring in Jewish and Kosher clientele, we are informally recommending that Jews not visit the Maldives at this time.
For more detailed coverage, refer to articles from the Times of Israel and the Jerusalem Post.
