Israel Embassy mourns death of Pinay caregiver

The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines mourned the death of Mary Ann Velasquez De Vera, the Filipina caregiver who was killed amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

In a press statement Monday, the embassy expressed condolences to the kin of De Vera, who died after sustaining injuries in an Iranian airstrike on Tel Aviv on February 28.

De Vera, who had been working in Israel since 2019, was assisting her patient to safety when the incident occurred. She  was identified by her husband, who is also an overseas Filipino worker in Israel, and other family members, the embassy added.

"Mary Ann, like so many overseas Filipino workers in Israel, exemplified resilience, compassion, and quiet strength," it said.

"Israel joins in the profound sorrow of her family and the Filipino community. We mourn together and honor Mary Ann’s memory with dignity and respect," it added.

Over the weekend, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed De Vera was among the fatalities in the ongoing conflict. He assured that the Philippine government will provide all the assistance needed by the caregiver’s family. 

Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola said at least 54 Filipinos in Israel, of which 32 tourists and 22 overseas Filipino workers, have signified interest to return to the Philippines.

The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said there are 2.5 million Filipinos in Middle East, most of them are in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. It added 800 Filipinos are in Iran.

The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said there are 2.5 million Filipinos in Middle East, most of them are in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. It added 800 Filipinos are in Iran

The fatal airstrike came amid the joint military operations launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on Saturday.

The Israeli military said Iran retaliated with missile strikes on Israel.

The Pentagon has officially designated the American strikes as Operation Epic Fury. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News