Israeli tourists laugh as they push Sri Lankan boat worker into sea

A video showing Israeli tourists pushing a Sri Lankan boat operator into the sea during a boat ride has gone viral, attracting widespread criticism on social media.

The footage shows a tourist pushing the worker overboard while others are seen on the boat. The incident has sparked outrage, with social media users condemning the tourists’ behaviour.

Following the backlash, the young people involved defended their actions, describing the incident as a joke. They claimed the boat operator was fine, had willingly participated and was not targeted with any intention of humiliation.

In a response shared by Israeli journalist Daniel Amram on X, the tourists said they had not intended to be mean and claimed the worker had taken part in the incident.

“We’re enlisting in a month. We’re good kids; we don’t deserve this hate,” they reportedly said.

Watch the video here

The video has prompted strong reactions online, with several users questioning the tourists’ treatment of the local worker.

One user wrote, “Bullies always pretend they’re kidding when they are caught. Just kidding is the alibi of bullies.”

Another asked, “Is the boat man ok?”