Israeli and American Passengers Clash Over Antisemitic Remarks at Manila Airport

A physical altercation broke out on August 6 between an Israeli and an American passenger at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, reportedly triggered by antisemitic comments. The incident occurred in the domestic flight waiting area, where 54-year-old American Kent Scott Lee allegedly made racist and antisemitic remarks toward 37-year-old Israeli Noam Shimon Rosenberg. Witnesses said Lee mocked Rosenberg's Jewish faith, with Rosenberg reporting that Lee said, "Jews kill babies... Hitler was right, it’s a shame he didn’t finish killing the Jews." Following these statements, Rosenberg reportedly attacked Lee by kicking his trolley suitcase and striking him. Lee claimed Rosenberg was the initial aggressor, stating the Israeli intervened in a private conversation and assaulted him without provocation.

Airport police quickly separated the two men to prevent further violence, and both were taken to Pasay General Hospital for medical evaluation. Lee requested an X-ray at his own expense. On August 7, the case was handed over to the Pasay City prosecutor’s office, where both men underwent questioning under Section 155 of the Philippine Penal Code, which addresses conduct causing public disturbance or alarm. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances and conflicting accounts of the incident.