The Israeli Embassy in Manila, with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), held a commemoration on Tuesday for those who died in the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel, honoring both Israelis and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

The ceremony began with a candle-lighting led by Camille Jesalva-Junio, a Filipina caregiver who saved her elderly ward during the attacks. It remembered six Filipinos who perished: Grace Cabrera, Paul Vincent Castelvi, Loreta Alacre, Angelyn Aguirre Torre, Cydrick Garin, and Leah Mosquera, as well as those still held in Hamas captivity.

“They were parents, children, siblings, friends. They cared for others with dignity. They showed bravery, even in their final moments. Their names will live on, not only in records, but in the hearts of those they served and loved,” OWWA chief Patricia Yvonne Cunanan said.

Jimmy Pacheco, a Filipino caregiver taken hostage by Hamas in Kibbutz Nir Oz while caring for 80-year-old Amitai Ben Zvi, who was killed, also attended. He shared his harrowing experience on the day of the attack, how he did not want to leave his employer, and the terrifying ordeal he endured in Hamas captivity.

Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Krush meanwhile highlighted the bond between OFWs and Israeli families.

“The way to keep on going forward is hearing Jimmy. Jimmy called the caregiver he was taking care of ‘Abba.’ Abba [means] father” she said.

“That is a symbol of the connection between the OFWs and the Israeli families who are willing their hearts and minds and caring. And you saw both in Jimmy and in Camille’s amazing, courageous story of saving her 95-year-old [employer], Nitza," she added.

“That is our unity. We are an extended family. And every OFW caregiver that enters the life of an Israeli family with so much compassion and care is a lifesaver,” she said.

Pacheco also shared that he and his wife, Clarice Joy, welcomed a baby girl in June and named her Israela in honor of his love for Israel.

DMW Chief Hans Leo Cacdac praised Filipino workers’ bravery.

“Although two years have already passed, the grief and the damage left to the affected families and survivors are still being healed,” he said.

The 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas and affiliated groups killed at least 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, most of them Israeli civilians.