A Final Note: Friendship Beyond Borders

Dear friends,

Four years may pass in the blink of an eye, but the bridges we build during that time will stand strong for generations. Serving as Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines has been a privilege. It was a journey filled with meaningful cooperation, deep friendships, and a growing connection between two nations that share values of democracy, innovation, religion and resilience. From the moment I arrived, the Philippines welcomed my wife Gila and me with warmth and sincerity. This country has never felt like posting. It has felt like home. We enjoyed the famous Filipino hospitality.

As my time here comes to a close, I reflect not just on policies and programs but on the lives, we’ve touched and those that touched us and the partnerships we’ve built. The relationship between Israel and the Philippines has matured into something deeply rooted in trust, respect, and shared progress.

Education and empowerment have been central to our work. We aimed to create spaces where learning, creativity, and community growth could flourish. We established learning centers in schools named Jerusalem, Be’eri, Ofakim, and Alumim, which promote literacy, informal fun learning and growth and youth development. The kids were absolutely gorgeous, I enjoyed reading for them and with them.

A women's health center will be opened soon in Pasig City that will provide essential full women healthcare services and wellness support for underserved women and families. I know it is so important. MASHAV, Israel’s agency for international development cooperation, has initiated and is supporting this initiative.

Our partnership in agriculture has helped bring Israeli technologies to Filipino farmers, enabling climate-smart, efficient, and sustainable food production. I enjoyed engaging with the farmers trying to understand their practices and their business models.

Launched Metro Pacific Fresh Farms in Bulacan, a 3.5-hectare greenhouse using Israeli drip irrigation, now producing over 500 metric tons of vegetables annually.

We Trained hundreds of Filipino farmers and Agri-professionals in sustainable farming methods in Israel and locally sharing Israeli expertise.

We have promoted smart solar water irrigation systems to increase the yield of rice fields while adapting to climate challenges.

Israel is known as a startup nation. A global hub of Innovation. So, innovation lies at the heart of Israel’s identity, and our partnership with the Philippines has brought this spirit to real-world solutions.

I enjoyed Connecting startups and companies across both countries in areas like cybersecurity, health tech, and agri-tech. Being a matchmaker can bring so much good to our society. We even assisted in delivering mobile water purification systems in remote areas and solar-powered irrigation to the IPs in remote communities. It was so exciting to engage with them. To learn more about their history and culture.

We organized innovation and business forums to match Israeli technology with Philippine development needs. We were exposed to fascinating new tech and energetic entrepreneurs seeking to collaborate.

I was pushing to send young farmers to Israel to get exposed and experience in non-conventional and smart agriculture. We were able to get 700 a year. It is fantastic, we can really encourage and motivate farmers.

I am proud that Israel and the Philippines have deepened their partnership in the defense and security sector. The most modern and sophisticated and reliable systems are used by the AFP.

Unfortunately, we also grieved together after the October 7, 2023 Hamas terror attacks, which killed over 1,200 Israelis, including four Filipino caregivers. We mourned this tragedy and loss together, by both nations.

The solidarity shown by the Philippines during those painful days moved me deeply. Statements from Filipino leaders, civil society, including Christian groups, reminded us that friendship is most powerful in moments of tragedy. That support went beyond diplomacy, it was an expression of shared humanity.

We have shifted our focus from aid to collaboration, building economic ties based on innovation and mutual growth.

This week I welcomed the historical visit of Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat, with a big delegation of leading Israeli agro companies, opening doors to new trade and investment opportunities. We Strengthened business-to-business linkages and partnerships.

In my last week we also mourned together in the wake of caregiver Leah Mosquera who was murdered in an Iranian missile strike against Israel. She was honored and repatriated with full dignity and respect by my government.

Having served in the Philippines twice, first as a young diplomat, now as ambassador, a balikbayan diplomat, I leave with deep gratitude. I am so blessed and grateful for the Seven years I spent in this great country and among the kindest people on earth. My heart remains here, in the Philippines. This is not a goodbye, but hanggang sa muli.

Maraming salamat po. Shalom