MANILA, Philippines — The Israeli government assured comprehensive assistance, including lifelong livelihood support, to the family of Filipina caregiver Mary Ann Velasquez de Vera who was killed in an Iranian airstrike in Tel Aviv, according to Israeli Ambassador to Manila Dana Kursh.
Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday, Ambassador Kursh said Israel would extend the same type of support provided to families of individuals harmed in war or terrorist attacks under Israeli law.
“I can guarantee that the government of Israel will have this family and will provide everything that's necessary to provide as much comfort to this family as possible,” Kursh said.
She explained that Israeli law provided benefits for individuals—whether Israeli citizens or foreigners—who are harmed in incidents related to war or terrorism, including livelihood assistance for their families for life.
Kursh said the assistance package would be administered through Israel’s national security system, which provides long-term support to affected families.
“It will not bring back Mary Ann. It will not take away the pain from this family, the husband and the rest of the family. But it will try to ease at least a bit the day-to-day [burden] of the family,” she said.
The ambassador also said she would personally represent the Israeli government when De Vera’s remains were repatriated to the Philippines.
“I will be there once her body will be brought back. I will be there at the airport, and I will be with the family,” Kursh said, adding that the gesture is meant to convey Israel’s solidarity with the bereaved family.
De Vera was among the Filipinos caught in the escalating conflict in the Middle East, where tensions have intensified following exchanges of attacks between Israel, Iran and the US.
