Israeli artist pays tribute to Pinay caregiver Camille Jesalva

An Israeli artist has paid tribute to the Filipina caregiver who gave away her measly savings to a Hamas militant to save her 95-year-old employer and herself from danger during an October 2023 attack.

In a Facebook post on Monday, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said renowned artist Matan Ben Cnaan depicted the special bond between Camille Jesalva and the elderly in her care, Nitza Hefetz.

"Tunay na inspirasyon ang kwento ni Camille, na nagbubuklod sa ating lahat, saanman sa mundo (Camille's inspiring story unites all of us, everywhere in the world)," the OWWA said.

It can be recalled Camille saved herself and Nitza during the Hamas attack by giving away her smartphone and the money she saved for a trip to the Philippines to an armed militant who entered their residence.

Praises poured for Jesalva including from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who recognized the story of her heroism.

The Israeli Embassy in Manila similarly posted the photo of Camille and Nitza, with Cnaan's masterpiece in the background.

The embassy said the financial savings that Camille gave up and offered to the Hamas "became a symbol of her courage and sacrifice."

"This painting is a tribute to the strength of the human spirit and the deep connections that unite us all, across borders and beyond," the Israeli Embassy said.

Camille, a caregiver in a kibbutz in Nirim, is among the survivors of the bloody attack that took the lives of more than 1,000 individuals.

A single mother, Camille braved working overseas to support her family and her son. She started working in Israel in July 2019 and was first employed by an elderly couple for six months.

After the Hamas attack, Camille and Nitza started their lives anew in Jerusalem. — Sundy Locus/ VDV, GMA Integrated News