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| Amb. Dana Kursh (joined) joined families of the OFW casualties of war in Israel. Photo by George Buid |
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| Photo by Cris Gabion |
Three years after the tragic October 7, 2023 coordinated surprise assault launched by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups against Israel, the Embassy of Israel in Manila hosted a commemoration service aptly themed “Three Years of Resilience Despite the Loss.”
The poignant event was graced by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Led by Ambassador Dana Kursh, the solemn commemoration brought together grieving families, survivors, and government officials to remember the brave Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who made the ultimate sacrifice. About 1,200 people who were cruelly taken that tragic day, including four Filipinos: Paul Vincent Castelvi, Loreta Alacre, Angelyn Aguirre, and Grace Cabrera. Their deaths marked the deadliest day for the Filipino community in Israel.
Two of our kababayans, Noralyn Babadilla and Jimmy Pacheco, were abducted and held hostage in Gaza and were later freed. Two others were seriously wounded, while dozens more suffered trauma after being trapped in the attacked kibbutzim.
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| Lucille and her Israeli family |
The family of Lucille Jean Gershovich, the recent addition to the casualties, also flew in from Lanao del Norte, upon the invitation of Amb. Kursh. The 29-year-old Filipina was among the casualties of a strike that hit a residential area in Haifa on April 5, 2026, which also killed her Israeli husband and elderly parents-in-law, amid escalating tensions in the region.
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| Photos by George Buid |
Beyond mourning, the gathering served as a powerful testament to the extraordinary heroism of these Filipino workers. Serving selflessly in kibbutz communities and at the Nova Music Festival, these OFWs embodied profound courage, often putting the safety of others above their own in the face of unimaginable terror. Their sacrifice cemented a permanent, poignant chapter in the shared history of the Philippines and Israel.
This commemoration holds deep significance for both nations, transcending a simple memorial to reaffirm a steadfast, enduring alliance. For Israel, the event was a heartfelt acknowledgment of the invaluable role and deep humanity of the Filipino community. As many OFWs living and working in Israel—such as survivor and caregiver Camille Jesalva—testified during the program, Israelis view and treat their Filipino workers not merely as laborers, but as cherished family members. Jesalva offered her money and gadget to save her elderly ward.
In a region fraught with uncertainty, many OFWs noted that Israel remains uniquely safe, reassuring, and deeply appreciative of their contributions compared to anywhere else in the Middle East.
The candle-lighting ceremony was more than a moment of shared grief; it was a celebration of unwavering solidarity. By honoring the fallen, the Philippines and Israel demonstrated that the heroism, loyalty, and sacrifice of these eight OFWs will never be forgotten, further strengthening the unbreakable bridge of friendship between the two nations.
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