In times of war… it’s often the quiet heroes who are remembered the most.
And for Israel’s envoy to the Philippines, one message stands firm:
Filipinos are not alone.
On Tuesday, Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh assured that Israel remains committed to helping Filipino victims affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Her words came during the launch of the Isha Women’s Center at Rizal Medical Center—but the message went far beyond the event.
It was personal.
It was heartfelt.
And it carried the weight of loss.
Kursh recalled the six Filipino workers in Israel who have lost their lives since October 7, 2023.
Among them… Mary Ann de Vera.
A caregiver.
A provider.
A woman who chose courage in her final moments.
De Vera was killed in an airstrike while helping her elderly employer reach a bomb shelter—an act of selflessness that did not go unnoticed.
Kursh recently visited Pangasinan herself to deliver aid to De Vera’s grieving family.
And in that moment, she made something clear.
“Mary Ann de Vera is part and parcel of Israel,” she said.
“Her family is part and parcel of Israel—not just of the Philippines.”
It wasn’t just a statement.
It was recognition.
Because for Israel, there is no line drawn between its own citizens and Filipino workers caught in the crossfire.
Once a life is lost under such circumstances, Kursh explained, the family is treated as a casualty of war.
And with that comes support.
Real support.
The same assistance given to Israeli victims will also be extended to De Vera’s family—and to the families of the five other Filipino victims.
No difference.
No exceptions.
Amid the tragedy, Kursh also took a moment to recognize the efforts of the Philippine government.
She praised the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for working tirelessly to bring Filipinos home safely.
“They are working day and night to save lives,” she said.
And while many Filipinos have chosen to return home, Kursh noted something surprising.
Only a few from Israel have asked for repatriation.
Why?
Because many feel safe.
Because many feel they belong.
“They feel that they are part and parcel of Israel as well,” she shared.
It’s a bond built not just on work… but on trust.
On shared hardship.
On resilience.
And despite the pain, Kursh remains hopeful.
“The partnership between Israel and the Philippines is based on resilience,” she said.
A quiet reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is something stronger holding both nations together.
“We will endure together,” she added.
Through loss.
Through grief.
Through this difficult chapter.
And one day, she hopes, the focus will shift—from war to healing.
From tragedy… to building a better future.
For everyone.
