The Filipina killed in the April 5, 2026 missile strike in Haifa, Israel lived and worked in Cebu for a time before she left the Philippines for Israel to join her husband there.

A native of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, Lucille Jean Olasiman Gershovich, 29, lived with relatives in Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island starting in 2016 when she started looking for a job.

She eventually found work with a hotel and was assigned at its money changing kiosk at the airport.

While working there, Lucille met her would-be husband, software engineer Demitry Gershovich, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

When the pandemic ebbed, Gershovich proposed marriage and they tied the knot at a resort in Mactan Island on April 28, 2024.

Lucille started living in Israel in October 2025 and joined her husband in Tel Aviv.

Her cousin, Gina Limbaga Arriesgado, told GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak that Lucille would update them constantly since the tensions in the Middle East erupted.

She reportedly told them that she was safe because the bomb shelter is located right below their apartment building.

Arriesgado said Lucille was still able to speak with her father in Lanao del Norte five hours before the missile attack.

Lucille was with her husband and in-laws in her residence when the missile attack happened.

Arriesgado said it is difficult to accept Lucille’s passing since they have treated her like their own sibling.

She also described Gershovich as a good man. He would reportedly make sure to drop by their house in Lapu-Lapu City each time he would visit the Philippines when he was still dating Lucille.

Lucille’s parents and siblings chose not to issue a statement but urged government to help bring Lucille’s remains to the Philippines so they can bury her in Lanao del Norte.