Israel honors 5 Pinoys who died during Hamas attack on nation's Memorial Day --- By GMA Integrated News

The Israel Embassy celebrated the lives of the five Filipinos who died during the October 7 Hamas attacks during their nation's Memorial Day commemoration on Tuesday. In a statement on Wednesday, Israel said Overseas Filipino Workers Angelyn Aguirre, Loreta Alacre, Grace Cabrera, Paul Vincent Castelvi, and Filipino-Israeli soldier Sergeant Cydrick Garin were included among the Jewish state’s fallen soldiers and civilians for this year’s Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day). The ceremony included prayers and a moment of silence offered to the fallen Filipinos, who were among the 760 fallen soldiers, 834 civilians and 68 foreign nationals who died in 2023. This year’s ceremony also marked the first commemoration of Israel's Memorial and Independence Days in the midst of the ongoing war against the militant Palestinian group Hamas. “Today is an opportunity to recognize OFWs in Israel. Most of them are still in our country, and they feel at home and loyal to their employers. Aside from OFWs, Filipino volunteers are in Israel to express unity with Israel during this difficult time. I could feel the spirit of support and solidarity among our friends from the Philippines,” said Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss. “We feel mixed emotions - sadness on Memorial Day but happiness for Independence Day. Our life in Israel is in between remembering the loss of lives and celebrating the freedom, independence, and the great success of the state of Israel that shines amongst the nations,” he added. Memorial Day was held in Manila on May 13, while Israel’s 76th Independence Day was held on May 14. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News

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