Israel pledges lifetime support to family of OFW killed in airstrike — envoy

The Israeli government has committed to providing lifetime support to the family of the Filipino caregiver killed in a missile attack in Tel Aviv, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh said Tuesday.

According to a report by Super Radyo dzBB’s Carlo Mateo, Kursh grew emotional as she conveyed her condolences to the family of Mary Ann Velasquez De Vera.

De Vera was killed by an Iranian retaliatory strike after Israel and the US launched an attack on Iran that has killed hundreds of people.

Kursh explained that under Israeli law, families of individuals injured or killed during a conflict—Israeli citizens and foreign nationals—are entitled to lifetime benefits.

Under this law, De Vera’s family will receive financial assistance, including livelihood support, from the Israeli government.

The envoy added that Israel’s national security agency will oversee the release of the benefits.

Kursh also said she would personally welcome De Vera’s remains upon their arrival in the Philippines.

As of Tuesday, however, no confirmed date has been set for the repatriation of her remains. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/MCG/BM, GMA Integrated News