Israeli and American Tourists Clash Over Antisemitic Insults at Manila Airport

A violent altercation occurred last Thursday at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Philippines, between a 54-year-old American tourist, Kent Scott Lee, and a 37-year-old Israeli tourist, Noam Shimon Rosenberg. The incident took place while both were waiting for a domestic flight to Cebu City. According to reports from the Filipino news site Tempo, Lee directed severe antisemitic slurs at Rosenberg, including calling him a "baby killer," praising Hitler, and expressing regret that Hitler did not finish exterminating the Jews. In response, Rosenberg allegedly kicked Lee's trolley and struck him, causing damage to a food stall table in the terminal.

Both men were detained after the fight and taken to a hospital in Pasay City for medical evaluation. Passengers and airport police intervened to separate the two. Lee claimed that Rosenberg initiated the confrontation by interfering in his private conversation and attacking him without provocation. On Friday, the case was handed over to the city prosecutor’s office, with both suspects facing charges of disturbing public order and awaiting trial.

This incident adds to recent tensions involving Israeli tourists in the Philippines. Just days earlier, an Israeli reservist named Uriah Brolmes was attacked by a Spanish tourist on Siargao Island after the attacker learned of Brolmes’ nationality. The Spanish tourist insulted and physically assaulted Brolmes, who fought back and injured one of his fingers during the scuffle. Local police supported Brolmes’ account, and the Spanish tourist was ordered to pay for medical expenses. There have been ongoing complaints about Israeli tourists’ behavior in Siargao, including immigration raids on a Chabad house during a Shabbat meal.

The Manila airport incident highlights rising antisemitic provocations and escalating conflicts involving Israeli travelers in the Philippines, with legal proceedings now underway for both parties involved.