Israel Embassy Honors Filipino Victims of October 7 Hamas Attack | TAGUIG CITY, Philippines — The Embassy of Israel in Manila, together with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), commemorated the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, honoring eight Filipino victims and remembering the lives lost.
Led by Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh, the ceremony featured a candle-lighting tribute and a photo exhibit honoring the victims, survivors, and their families. The gathering brought together bereaved families, survivors, Philippine government officials, and members of the diplomatic community.
Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines H.E. Dana Kursh | Photo by: Cris Gabion
Four Filipinos — Paul Vincent Castelvi, Loreta Alacre, Angelyn Aguirre, and Grace Cabrera — were killed during the October 7 attack. Four others — Mary Ann de Vera, Lucille Jean Gershovich, Leah Mosquera, and Cydrick Garin — subsequently died amid continuing hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
“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,” Kursh said during a post-ceremony press conference.
The ambassador reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to supporting the victims’ families in coordination with Philippine agencies, including the DMW and OWWA.
Survivors Share Their Stories of Resilience
Camille Jesalva, a Filipina caregiver who survived the October 7 attack after helping protect her elderly ward, reflected on the lasting impact of the violence on Filipino survivors, former hostages, and bereaved families.
Photo by: Cris Gabion
“The October 7 event changed everything for us. Today, we are slowly moving forward — the bereaved, those who were held hostage, and the survivors,” Jesalva said, thanking the Israeli and Philippine governments for their continued support.
The ceremony also honored Filipino caregiver Jimmy Pacheco, who was released from Hamas captivity on November 24, 2023, and Noralyn Babadilla, a dual Filipino-Israeli citizen released four days later.
Philippines Reaffirms Support for Filipinos in Israel
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.
Photo by: Cris Gabion
Cacdac said the Philippines would maintain strong bilateral relations with Israel, particularly in labor cooperation. He also announced plans to lead a Philippine labor-focused mission to Israel to discuss ways to strengthen employment opportunities and support for Filipino workers in the country.
The commemoration served as a tribute to the eight Filipino victims and a reminder of the continuing impact of the October 7 attack on their families and the Filipino community in Israel. It also highlighted the importance of sustained government support, bilateral cooperation, and solidarity with survivors and affected families.
