The Israeli Embassy held a wreath-laying ceremony Wednesday at Heritage House, Memorial Circle, to honor former President Manuel L. Quezon for his leadership in opening the Philippines to 1,300 Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust.

The ceremony recognized Quezon’s kindness and pivotal role in providing sanctuary during World War II.

Dignitaries leading the event included Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Israeli Minister of Economy Nir Barkat, Philippine Ambassador to Israel H.E. Aileen Mendiola-Rau, and Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Ilan Fluss.

Key officials from the Israeli Embassy dedicated the ceremony to Quezon’s heroism, which they noted became a cornerstone for a stronger friendship between the Philippines and Israel.

Following the wreath-laying, Mayor Belmonte delivered welcoming remarks, expressing gratitude for Israel’s ongoing support for the Philippines. “We continue to draw inspiration and learn from Israel’s leadership in innovation, agriculture, education, and technology, and apply those insights to improve the lives of our people,” she said.

Belmonte also mentioned that trees planted by the Israeli Embassy last year at San Francisco High School are thriving, which she described as a symbol of the growing relationship between the two nations.