The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines recently held a ceremony in Manila in observance of Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) and to commemorate the 25,040 fallen soldiers and 5,100 civilian victims, including the four Filipino overseas contract workers (OFWs) who were murdered by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
Filipino caregivers Angelyn Aguirre, Loreta Alacre, Grace Cabrera, and Paul Vincent Castelvi were among the 203 foreign nationals who perished from the terror attacks by Hamas; 68 of them were killed this year.
The Embassy also honored late Sgt. Cydrick Garin, a Filipino-Israeli who served in the Israel Defense Forces and was killed in action early this year.
“Today is an opportunity to recognize OFWs in Israel. Most of them are still in our country, and they feel at home and loyal to their employers. Aside from OFWs, Filipino volunteers are in Israel to express unity with Israel during this difficult time. I could feel the spirit of support and solidarity among our friends from the Philippines,” Ambassador Ilan Fluss said.
This year is the first observance of Memorial Day and Independence Day while Israel is at war.
On October 7 last year, more than 1,200 casualties were recorded—the highest number of Jews murdered in one day since the Holocaust. The atrocities include sexual violence, kidnapping, mutilating of bodies, and other unimaginable acts by Hamas. To date, 132 Israelis remain in captivity in Gaza.
“Most of the people in Israel, especially the family and loved ones of the hostages, are not in the mood for celebration. Israel continues its efforts to bring the hostages back home,” Ambassador Fluss added.
With Israel’s 76th Independence Day on May 14, Ambassador Fluss expressed, “We feel mixed emotions—sadness on Memorial Day but happiness on Independence Day. Our life in Israel is in-between remembering the loss of lives and celebrating the freedom, independence, and the great success of the State of Israel that shines amongst the nations.”
