MANILA: The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Filipino people for their show of solidarity with Israel amid the turmoil of war.
Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss extended his country’s appreciation during a reception celebrating Israel’s 76th Independence Day at the New World Makati on June 20.
In a news release on Friday, Fluss thanked Marcos for his statement of solidarity with Israel, condemnation of Hamas’ attacks, and call for the release of hostages during a previous meeting on Oct. 11, 2023.
‘My vision is to build bridges of innovation and technology between our two countries. Over the past eight months, we have unexpectedly built new connections, including bonds forged in the wake of terror,’ he said as he remembered Angelyn Aguirre, Loreta Alacre, Grace Cabrera, and Paul Castelvi, the Filipino caregivers who perished during the Hamas attack.
Fluss said Israel has been receiving support and solidarity from Filipino friends, organi
zations, and communities.
One example is a group of Filipinos who volunteered for two-and-a-half months at a rehabilitation hospital in Tel Aviv, exemplifying the ‘bayanihan spirit’ of the Filipino people. This was initiated by Israel’s Honorary Consul in Davao Jorge Marquez.
‘I would like to commend the 28,000 OFWs in Israel who stayed with their Israeli employers through thick and thin, maraming salamat po sa inyong pagmamahal at suporta. Saludo po ako sa sa inyong lahat (thank you very much for your love and support. I salute you all),’ he said.
During the reception, a special toast was held for Philippines-Israel relations together with Assistant Secretary and Chief of Protocol of the Department of Foreign Affairs Ariel Peñaranda, and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown.
Rose Fostanes, the Filipina X Factor Israel winner in 2014, serenaded the crowd with her version of Hurricane by Israeli singer Eden Golan, which finished fifth place in the recent Eurovision contest
.
A photo exhibit of the Oct. 7 attack in Israel was also featured during the reception. The photos included Filipinos who showed heroism and volunteerism during the war.
Source: Philippines News Agency