AMIDST the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict where Israelis suffered a brutal terror attack from Hamas, the Israeli government continues to show its concern on the welfare of Filipinos in Israel.
Upon instruction of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Ron Salo, Chair of the Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs and Representative of Kabayan Partylist, met Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. Ambassador Israel Fluss assures Rep. Salo of the efforts taken by the Israeli government to protect and take care of OFWs and overseas Filipinos.
“In a time of great concern for the safety and well-being of our fellow Filipinos caught in the Israel-Hamas conflict, we are greatly comforted by the assurance of the Israel ambassador to the Philippines. It is with deep relief that we receive this affirmation of the welfare and protection of our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel,” Salo said.
Ambassador Fluss informed Rep. Salo of the successful evacuation of around 60,000 residents, including Filipinos, in areas surrounding Gaza. The relocated Filipinos are now staying in safer areas, either in the homes of their employers or hotels, and are receiving necessary medical care.
As to the four Filipinos who tragically lost their lives from the terror attack in Israel, Ambassador Fluss assured Rep. Salo that the necessary documents are being readied for the immediate repatriation of their remains.
“We deeply mourn the passing of our fellow Filipinos who were among the victims of the brutal terror attack of the Hamas on Israel. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and loved ones,” Salo remarked.
Ambassador Fluss also assured Rep. Salo that the repatriation expenses of their remains will be shouldered by the Israeli government. In addition, their families will be given assistance for funeral and commemoration expenses, monthly payments for spouses and parents during their lifetime, as well as housing grants, loans and health payments, when applicable.
“We are grateful for the support provided by the Israeli government, not only in shouldering the repatriation expenses but also for extending social security benefits to the families of the terror victims,” Salo continued.
“As I denounce the brutal terror attack of the Hamas on Israel and hope that the perpetrators are made accountable, I also express my deepest sympathies on the grieving families on both sides of the border who have lost their loved ones as a result of the conflict. I join the prayers of the faithful worldwide for a peaceful resolution of the conflict and cessation of hostilities soonest,” Salo concluded.
