Israeli President Isaac Herzog personally met with Bernie Lavarias, the Filipino widower whose wife Mary Ann De Vera was killed during a recent missile attack, at the Presidential House in Jerusalem to convey condolences and announce immediate financial assistance.

The meeting, held at Beit HaNassi (President’s House) in Jerusalem, was facilitated by the Philippine Embassy in Israel and comes as Mr. Lavarias prepares to accompany his wife’s remains back to the Philippines.

Presidential Condolences and Support

“On behalf of the State of Israel, I send my deepest condolences to Mary Ann’s family and the entire nation of the Philippines,” President Herzog said during the meeting, according to a statement posted on the Philippine Embassy in Israel’s Facebook page.

President Herzog shared a personal connection to the Filipino community, noting that his own family once had a Filipino caregiver. He emphasized that many Israelis regard Filipino caregivers as part of their own families.

The Israeli leader expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Filipino community for their compassion, dedication, and contributions to Israeli society, particularly during the ongoing conflict.

Immediate Financial Assistance Promised

President Herzog assured Mr. Lavarias that he will receive immediate financial assistance under Israel’s compensation program for war victims. The support includes both a lump sum payment and a monthly stipend through the state’s national insurance system.

The compensation program is designed to provide financial relief to families affected by the ongoing conflict, ensuring that victims and their survivors receive adequate support during their time of loss.

Details about the specific amounts or duration of the monthly stipend were not disclosed in the embassy’s statement.

Philippine Ambassador Raises Safety Concerns

Ambassador Aileen Mendiola thanked President Herzog for his sentiments and the support extended to the bereaved family during the meeting. She also conveyed the grief of the Filipino community over the tragic losses sustained during the conflict.

According to the embassy statement, Ambassador Mendiola highlighted that Mary Ann De Vera was among six Filipinos who have perished during the war with Iran and the October 7 attacks that began the current conflict.

The ambassador underscored the critical importance of ensuring that workplaces of Filipino workers are equipped with accessible shelters to safeguard their safety during emergencies. This represents a key concern for the thousands of Filipino overseas workers (OFWs) currently employed in Israel.

Call for Peace and Protection

Ambassador Mendiola expressed hope that peace will prevail so that no more innocent lives, like that of Ms. De Vera, will be lost in the ongoing conflict.

The ambassador’s statement reflects broader concerns about the safety and security of Filipino workers in conflict zones, particularly those employed as caregivers and domestic workers who may have limited access to protective facilities.

The Philippine government has consistently advocated for the protection of its overseas workers, especially in regions experiencing political instability or armed conflict.

Repatriation of Remains

Mr. Lavarias was scheduled to accompany his wife’s remains on a flight departing Israel in the evening following the presidential meeting, with arrival in Manila expected the following day.

Family members and loved ones were waiting for Mary Ann De Vera’s return home, where final funeral arrangements will be made.

The repatriation process was facilitated by the Philippine Embassy in Israel, which has been working to ensure the safe return of Filipino casualties from the conflict zone.

Filipino Workers in Israel

The Philippines maintains a significant overseas worker population in Israel, with many employed as caregivers for elderly Israelis and in domestic work. These workers have become integral members of many Israeli households and communities.

The ongoing conflict has placed these workers at risk, with several documented casualties among the Filipino community since the escalation began following the October 7 attacks.

The Philippine government has been working closely with Israeli authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipino nationals, including establishing protocols for emergency situations and shelter access.

Diplomatic Relations and Worker Protection

The high-level meeting between President Herzog and Mr. Lavarias demonstrates the importance both governments place on protecting overseas workers and maintaining strong bilateral relations despite the challenging security environment.

The Philippine Embassy continues to monitor the situation of Filipino workers in Israel and coordinate with local authorities to ensure their safety and welfare during the ongoing conflict.

For Filipino families in Negros Oriental and throughout the Philippines who have relatives working in Israel, the embassy maintains regular communication channels and updates on the security situation affecting overseas workers.

The tragic death of Mary Ann De Vera serves as a reminder of the risks faced by overseas Filipino workers in conflict zones and the ongoing efforts by both governments to provide protection and support to affected families.

Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Philippine Embassy in Israel/Facebook