Israel, DMW and OWWA honor Filipino victims of October 7 attacks

The Embassy of Israel in Manila, in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), commemorated the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks in Israel, honoring the Filipino and Israeli lives lost.

Led by Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh, the ceremony carried the theme “Three Years of Resilience Despite the Loss.” It brought together victims’ families, survivors, and Philippine government officials for a candle-lighting ceremony and a photo exhibit honoring the eight Filipino victims and recognizing the experiences of survivors.

In her remarks, Ambassador Kursh expressed her solidarity with the bereaved families and reaffirmed Israel’s support for them.

“We will be standing together in times of sorrow, in hugging those eight families, and God willing, in times of many celebrations and times of peace in Israel,” Ambassador Kursh said.

Four Filipino nationals- Paul Vincent Castelvi, Loreta Alacre, Angelyn Aguirre, and Grace Cabrera- were killed in the October 7 attacks. Four others- Cydrick Garin, Leah Mosquera, Mary Ann de Vera, and Lucille Jean Gershovich- later lost their lives amid the continuing conflict.

The ceremony also recognized Filipino survivors, including Camille Jesalva, who protected the elderly woman under her care during the attacks, and Jimmy Pacheco and Noralyn Babadilla, who were taken hostage and later released.

Jesalva shared how the events of October 7 changed the lives of Filipinos who experienced them firsthand. She also thanked the Israeli and Philippine governments for their support as survivors and bereaved families continue to cope with their loss.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan reaffirmed the Philippine government’s commitment to assisting the victims’ families and protecting the welfare of Filipino workers in Israel. They also emphasized the importance of continued coordination between the two governments.

Ambassador Kursh reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to supporting the affected families in coordination with the DMW and OWWA. She also recognized the contributions of Filipino workers to Israeli society and the close ties between the Philippines and Israel.

The Embassy of Israel in Manila, together with the DMW and OWWA, honored the memory of the eight Filipino victims and stood in solidarity with their families and loved ones. Their lives will be remembered with deep respect and solemnity.

-END-