Even though the health war is not over because of Covid-19, the Filipinos in Israel are fleeing bombs and missile attacks.
Many Filipinos in the country are safe but are not sure about the next few days, especially since the tension and chaos are already felt in Tel Aviv, the capital of Israel. That is why some Filipino leaders in Israel who help their fellow Filipinos have a reminder to their countrymen and appeal to the government.
This is said to be the toughest tension Lourdes Levi has experienced in 22 years in Israel, and she doesn’t seem to see it end immediately.
The exchange of missile strikes between Israel and Palestine has continued in recent days due to the long-running quarrel.
“Iba ang sitwasyon ngayon. Kasi nakarating na sa city. Pinaka-largest city ang Tel Aviv at nakarating na dito ang rocket. Ang nakakatakot para sa mga bata kasi may pananakit na ang mga Arab sa Jewish na nagdadaan,” said Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption o VACC-Israel Chapter chairperson Lourdes Levi.
FilCom leaders help Filipinos affected by tension in Israel
In collaboration with the Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv, Levi helps his compatriots who are in trouble. In fact, he has downloaded a mobile app that tells where the missile attacks are falling so they know immediately where to respond to the Filipinos. They have almost no rest.
“Apat na rocket na hinagis ngayon,” said Levi, who is in Holon, Israel.
“Kung mahina loob ninyo huwag kayo mag-download niyan. Ako, para sa aking monitoring ‘yan. Wala kami halos tulog. Nagpapalipad ng rocket between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Sunod-sunod po ang atake ngayon,” Levi added.
The embassy reminded Filipinos to be calm on the website and social media page to be calm and avoid crowded places, and evacuate if necessary. Due to the unrest, the embassy in Tel Aviv was closed from May 16 to May 20.
Cuellar appealed to the Philippine government to expedite the repatriation of 14 Filipino families or more than 100 people currently trapped in the Gaza Strip in Palestine.
He said they are still waiting for the decision or action of the DFA.
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