MANILA – The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines held a ceremony to commemorate Yom HaZikaron or Israel’s Memorial Day for the fallen soldiers and victims of terror attacks, including four Filipinos who died in the hands of the Hamas terrorists on October 7th.
In a statement released by the embassy, Israel called the four Filipinos “loyal and brave caregivers who were murdered by Hamas terrorists”.
“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,” Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said.
On its Memorial Day, Israel remembers the 25,040 fallen soldiers and 5,100 civilians murdered by terrorists, wherein 760 soldiers (including policemen, security services, and security team members of the kibbutzim) and 834 civilians were killed this year alone. Around 203 foreign nationals were murdered by terrorists, 68 of them were murdered this year, the statement read.
During the ceremony, prayers and a moment of silence were offered to remember the Israeli fallen soldiers and civilians, including Filipino caregivers Angelyn Aguirre, Loreta Alacre, Grace Cabrera, and Paul Vincent Castelvi who were murdered by Hamas. The Embassy also honoured Sgt. Cydrick Garin, a Filipino-Israeli who served in the Israel Defense Forces and was killed in action early this year.
A moment of silence offered to the four OFWs murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7th (Photo courtesy of Embassy of Israel in the Philippines)
According to the Israel Embassy, this year is the first observance of Memorial Day and Independence Day while Israel is at war.
On October 7, 2023, more than 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 are still held in captivity in Gaza, the Embassy of Israel stated.
“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 said.
The Israel Memorial Day was held in Manila on May 13 and Israel’s 76th Independence Day is on May 14.
“We feel mixed emotions - sadness on Memorial Day but happiness for 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,” Ambassador Fluss added.
