Filipinos who remain in Israel afraid of war, but need jobs

While fearing for their safety, several Filipinos opted to stay in Israel for their jobs despite the ongoing conflict in the country, JP Soriano reported on “24 Oras” Monday.

Amid the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, overseas Filipino workers (OFW) Ricasol Atregeno, Rosielyn Asistores and Princess Joy Palad said they chose not to be repatriated for fear of losing employment should they return to the Philippines.

“'Yung nanay ko nagda-dialysis. Dito ako kumukuha kasi single mother ako. Parang kung uuwi kami, iniisip namin 'san kami?' Back to zero kami,” Atregeno said.

(My mother is undergoing dialysis. This is my only livelihood. I am also a single mother. What will happen to us if we go home? We’ll go back to zero.)

Asistores shared the sentiment, saying: “Kung sakali man na umuwi kami 'yung mandatory na. Kami pa rin 'yung babalik. May kasiguraduhan na kami pa rin 'yung kukuhanin, di sila kukuha ng iba. Kasi ito lang 'yung inaasahan ng pangkalahatan”.

(If ever we will be mandated to go home we will still return to Israel. We’re assured of employment here. They will not hire other people.)

Meanwhile, Palad tearfully admitted feeling scared but said she wants to continue working.

“May takot din per nilalakasan lang 'yung loob namin kasi iniisip namin na nandito na kami. Kung ano na lang kapalaran, 'yun na ‘yun,” she added.

(We’re scared but we’re trying to be strong and leave everything to fate.)

Hamas militants carried out their deadliest attack in Israel's history on October 7, when gunmen rampaged through Israeli towns, killing more than 1,000 people and taking scores of hostages to Gaza.

“Tinitimbang nila 'yung sitwasyon. 'Yung iba syempre talagang ganon na lang 'yung kanilang devotion sa kanilang trabaho. Hindi nila basta-basta maiiwan 'yung kanilang mga employer,” said Philippine Embassy in Israel Consul General and Deputy Chief of Mission Anthony Mandap.

(They’re weighing the situation. Some of them are devoted to their jobs and cannot leave their employers.)

Israel is home to around 30,000 OFWs. Most of them are situated in Tel Aviv, one of the most populated cities in the country.

On Monday, 25 Filipinos safely landed back in the Philippines due to the war. This is the third batch of repatriates from Israel.

The first batch of repatriates, composed of 15 caregivers, one hotel worker, and a one-month-old infant, arrived in the country last October 18, amid the armed conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

On October 20, another 18 individuals consisting of 14 caregivers and four hotel employees were repatriated.

Meanwhile, the relatives of the Israeli nationals kidnapped by Hamas during their surprise attack staged a program to call for the safe release of the victims.

Yellow ribbons were also being distributed by Israeli groups.

“My heart is hurt for our children and also the Gaza's children. All children. All people,” said Enat, an Israeli national.

At least 100 more Filipinos are requesting repatriation from Israel, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News