Life in Israel ‘Back to Normal,’ Israeli Diplomat Tells Filipinos
Jerusalem, 13 August, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- Manila (PNA) — The Israeli Embassy in the Philippines said that life in Israel has largely returned to normal despite ongoing tensions in the region, specifically with Iran.
At the Philippines–Israel Cybersecurity Forum in Taguig on Tuesday, Deputy Ambassador to the Philippines Ester Buzgan underscored Israel’s efforts to assist civilians, including Filipinos, affected by recent conflicts.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently hosting 17 Filipino journalists for a tour in Israel to see the situation firsthand.
“It’s back to normal. We have a delegation of 17 journalists right now, as we speak, in Israel. Today, they have a day in the south, and we were able to secure their way to the Kerem Shalom crossing, which is right at the border of the Gaza Strip, to see the humanitarian aid and the number of trucks entering daily into the Gaza Strip,” she said.
“We wanted them to see it with their own eyes. We’re not telling reporters what to report — we’re just showing the things on the ground, and however they want to put the story, it’s theirs.”
Buzgan emphasized that Israel is a democratic country that values freedom of speech and free journalism.
She said they invited the Filipino journalists to allow them to see things for themselves and to report back in their own way.
Buzgan said the Israeli government is thankful to the 30,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who decided to remain in Israel and stay with their employers despite the conflicts.
She noted that Filipino workers in Israel are treated like family, citing the Filipina caregiver who looks after the family of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
She also assured government support for those who, unfortunately, became casualties of the war, such as OFW Lea Mosquera, who succumbed to injuries from an Iranian missile attack.
“We share your pain. It’s something that bonds us together, and it’s something we understand. The Israeli government will continue taking care of her family,” she said.
Buzgan said the Israeli government is obligated to assist Israelis attacked by terrorists, and that it is only right that Filipinos receive the same benefits, assistance, and care.
She said Israel still holds out hope for the release of about 50 hostages in Gaza.
According to Buzgan, Israel is working with the United States and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Gaza Humanitarian Fund to create secure channels for the direct delivery of aid to civilians, bypassing Hamas control.
She also raised concerns about rising attacks on vessels passing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which have affected and victimized Filipino seafarers, calling such incidents “pure piracy.”
While Buzgan declined to give operational details, she stressed the need for global cooperation to combat terrorism and maritime threats.
“I pray that by the next time I meet you, our people will be back, just like your people. I pray for them — for the seafarers to be back home, and to stop this pirating and kidnapping of people, whether at sea or on shore.”
