Israeli Backpacker Stabbed in Cairns, Australia; French Suspect Detained

An Israeli backpacker was stabbed in Cairns, Queensland, Australia, on August 7 at around 5 p.m. The suspect, 25-year-old French tourist Leo Raymond Cotten, was ordered to remain in custody by a local court, with a hearing scheduled for September 11. Cotten faces charges of aggravated assault motivated by hate, with prosecutors alleging the attack was at least racially and anti-Semitically motivated, if not religiously.

The incident occurred at the Mad Monkey Backpackers hostel, a popular spot for young travelers worldwide. According to the prosecution, Cotten approached the Israeli victim, hugged him against his will twice, and then pulled a roughly 20 cm knife from his bag. Another person intervened to stop the attack. The prosecutor stated Cotten targeted the Israeli after learning he was from Israel and had served in the IDF. Evidence found on Cotten’s phone included photos of the Israeli in military uniform and messages referencing the victim before the assault.

Cotten’s defense acknowledged the unwanted physical contact but denied the hate crime charge, arguing the remarks attributed to him related to the victim’s nationality, not religion. It also emerged that Cotten and 13 other backpackers were members of a WhatsApp group called International Incel Investigating, where the victim’s photo was shared. Cotten reportedly wrote, "Next time I see him at the hostel, maybe we’ll go somewhere without cameras."

Cairns, located on Australia’s northeast coast near the Great Barrier Reef, is a favored destination for backpackers, including many Israelis traveling after their military service. The case highlights concerns about targeted attacks on Israeli tourists abroad.