Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh delivered a heartfelt message during the commemoration of the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel, paying tribute to the victims, the survivors, and the families forever changed by the tragedy. The solemn gathering also honored the deep bond between Israelis and Filipinos who stood together in grief, courage, and solidarity.

Ambassador Kursh began by recalling the horrific events that took place on October 7, when nearly 1,200 innocent civilians, including children and the elderly, were brutally murdered, and 251 were taken hostage by the Hamas terrorist organization. She reminded the audience that Israel continues to defend its people while mourning the loss of more than 900 soldiers who have fallen since the war began.

Speaking with emotion, she reflected on her years in the Israel Defense Forces where she served as a captain caring for bereaved families. She said that no experience could ever numb one to the pain of loss, yet unity and compassion give strength to move forward. The Ambassador emphasized that Hamas not only took lives but also “kidnapped the hope for peace,” robbing both Israelis and Palestinians of a shared future. Despite this, she affirmed that Israel will never allow terror to extinguish hope, and that the pursuit of peace will continue.

Ambassador Kursh paid tribute to Cedric, a Filipino-Israeli soldier who fought bravely to defend Israel and ultimately gave his life in the line of duty. His sacrifice, she said, symbolizes the deep friendship and shared values between Israel and the Philippines. She also recognized the courage of Filipino caregivers in Israel, including Camille and Jimmy, who risked their lives to protect the elderly Israelis under their care during the attacks. Their stories, she noted, reflect the compassion and heroism of the Filipino people, whose presence in Israeli homes makes them part of one extended family.

Kursh also noted the significance of November 4, marking 30 years since the assassination of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. She shared that Israelis once again gathered in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square to sing for peace, proving that even amid pain and loss, the nation continues to choose hope.

In closing, Ambassador Kursh called on everyone to unite around three words that embody the shared spirit of both nations—heroism, hope, and healing. She urged all to stand together against terrorism, to continue healing, and to keep believing in peace as the enduring strength of humanity.

Currently, Jimmy is undergoing medical evaluations at Shamir Medical Center to ensure his well-being. Senior representatives from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside Philippine Ambassador to Israel Junie Laylo, welcomed him.

Our thoughts and prayers remain for the safe release of the 200+ hostages still held in captivity by the terror organization Hamas.

The Israeli government is committed and will do whatever is needed to bring them back home.

Following the Hamas terrorists’ surprise and unprecedented attack on Israel’s cities and residential homes that killed more than 250 Israelis, injured more than 1600, and kidnapped more than 100 Israelis mostly elderly people, women, and children, and captured them as hostages in Gaza, Israel condemns the terror attack against their country.

Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said that it will defend itself and its people from these terrorists supported by its close and main supporter, Iran as they continue to fire rockets into Israel.

In the online media briefing, Fluss said that Israel continues to neutralize the terrorists who are currently concentrated in the Southern part of Israel and people are advised to stay at home while the situation is still uncertain. Schools are suspended until further notice from the government. As of this writing, there is no announcement of flight cancellation from Israel.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will have to respond to these attacks, initiating a large-scale operation after Hamas has practically announced war against Israel. Israel has the full right to respond and protect itself.

In this moment of anguish, we call on our friends and allies to express strong support for Israel and to condemn these terror attacks by Hamas. We expect the international community and our close allies to condemn terror and express support for Israel’s right to defend itself and its citizens.

We appreciate the kind messages and support that Israel is receiving from our Filipino friends.

As we navigate these challenging times, a resounding message reverberates: Stand with Israel, condemn the attacks by Hamas, and reject terrorism unequivocally.

The Israeli envoy said that while the situation in Israel remains uncertain, he assured that their country will protect all foreigners living there including the more than 30,000 Overseas Filipino Workers.

Lastly, Ambassador Fluss expressed profound gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its statement of support to promote peace and condemn the terrorist attack. He further clarified that our enemies are the Hamas terrorists and their supporters and Israel has a very strong relationship with other GCC countries that have been peacefully coexisting with them through the years.