The Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel has confirmed that three Sri Lankan migrant workers have been attacked in a series of reported chemical-laced water assaults targeting foreign workers in Israel.
In a statement issued from Tel Aviv, the Embassy said it had been alerted to videos and reports circulating on social media over the past few days, which claimed that foreign migrant workers were being sprayed with chemically mixed water by small groups in isolated areas.
According to the Embassy, the incidents appear to have targeted individuals traveling alone. Three Sri Lankans who were attacked have since reported their experiences to the Embassy.
Following these reports, the Sri Lankan Embassy has officially notified the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA), requesting urgent action to ensure the safety of all foreign workers, including Sri Lankans.
Israeli police have since arrested five teenagers, aged between 13 and 19, in connection with the first reported attack. The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing using CCTV footage and other evidence to identify those responsible for similar incidents.
Sri Lankan workers in Israel have been advised to exercise caution, travel in groups especially when sending money home, and keep valuables and mobile phones secure while traveling. They have also been urged to use the local emergency hotlines — 100 for police and 101 for ambulance services — and to contact the Embassy’s 24-hour hotline (+94718447305) for assistance in case of emergencies.
The Embassy said Israeli security agencies are closely monitoring the situation and taking measures to prevent further incidents. (Newswire)
