An Israeli tourist and military reservist was attacked at a cafe on Siargao Island in the Philippines, according to the Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Ministry.
The incident, which took place on August 3, began when a Spanish tourist approached the visitor and asked where he was from.
According to the ministry’s report, upon learning that the man was from Israel, the suspect began shouting accusations such as “baby killer” and “genocide” while threatening to kill him. Video footage of the incident, which circulated on social media, showed the confrontation as it unfolded outside of the cafe.
The report noted that the Israeli reservist attempted to calm the situation and avoid a physical confrontation, warning the attacker that he was being recorded and asking him to step away. Despite these warnings, the Spanish tourist initiated a physical assault by throwing the first punch.
Although physically larger, the attacker was overpowered by the Israeli reservist during the subsequent struggle, which spilled onto the ground. Video footage showed the reservist restraining the attacker and pinning him on the floor. During the altercation, the video captured the attacker shouting in English, telling the reservist to “stop it” and asking, “Do you understand what I’m saying?” The reservist maintained control and responded by telling him, “If you don’t understand what I’m saying, I will kill you.”
Local police take suspect into custody
Local police responded to the scene and took the Spanish tourist into custody, according to the report. Law enforcement ultimately ruled in favor of the Israeli tourist, ordering the attacker to pay financial compensation to cover the victim’s medical expenses for a broken finger sustained during the incident, which later required surgery in Thailand.
The ministry’s report also noted that the attacker was recorded giving a formal apology on video.