Just right before Christmas when holiday rush and busy thoroughfares described Metro Manila, a parade of jeepneys dressed in Israel flags offered free rides to commuters between Divisoria and Taft.
Drivers of fifteen jeepneys including Israel supporters congregated first in front of the Quirino Grandstand at the Manila Bay to inaugurate the crucial initiative — “Through Jeepneys: Bring Them Home Now” Campaign.
Before taking the campaign to the streets, the participants also covered the jeepneys with canvasses displaying photos of hostages still held by Hamas.
Organized by the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, in cooperation with Christian volunteers, the campaign was aimed to raise awareness about the plight of the hostages and the critical period Israel confronts, following the massive and bloody attack by Hamas and abduction of individuals from Israel to Gaza on October 7.
Explaining the message behind the campaign, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said, “We’re using jeepneys as canvasses to convey a powerful message of solidarity with Israel and a hearfelt plea for the safe return of the abductees.”
At least 129 hostages including men, women, elderly people, and babies—the youngest just turned 11 months old (nine months when kidnapped to Gaza)—remain in the hands of Hamas.
According to Ambassador Fluss, the choice of jeepneys is deeply meaningful. “Jeepneys hold a special place in the hearts of Filipinos, representing not only a mode of transportation but a vibrant tapestry of Filipino culture and history. Often referred to as the ‘king of the road,’ jeepneys are a testament to resilience and adaptability as a people.”
Ambassador Fluss had the privilege of welcoming overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Jimmy Pacheco on December 18 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as he returned for a visit back home, following his release as a hostage of Hamas in Gaza. He endured 47 days of captivity, surviving unimaginable horrors.
Another OFW and caregiver, Camile Jeslava, is hailed as a true hero for her loyalty and courage in saving her patient/employer from Hamas militants.
Both OFWs are now part of Israel and have become integral members of the Israeli society and community. They will be provided by the Israeli government with lifetime benefits and assistance just like the other Israeli victims of the Hamas attack.
Maybe more significant is Pacheco and Jeslava’s expressed desire to return to Israel, a place they now consider their second home. Despite the horrors they faced in the hands of Hamas terrorists, both see Israel not just as a chapter in their lives but as an integral part of their identity and purpose.
Ambassador Fluss, who personally heard the harrowing account of Pacheco’s ordeal as a hostage of Hamas in Gaza, urged the Filipino community through the campaign to stand for good, justice, and human rights.
“As we reflect on the recent celebrations of Hanukkah (the Jewish festival of lights) and look ahead to Christmas and the New Year, our fervent hope and prayers are for the safe release of these kidnapped individuals so they can join their families in celebrating these joyous occasions.”
“Let’s harness the power of the jeepneys to amplify our collective voice, sending a resounding message of hope and solidarity to the world.”
He emphasized the collective effort to exert pressure on Hamas and Iran for the release of the hostages “can make a difference and contribute to the safe return of the remaining abductees.”
