TEL AVIV, Israel — As tensions in the Middle East escalate anew, the Filipino community in Israel continues to navigate the challenges of living in a region marked by uncertainty and conflict.
Lorelyn Taguiam, a Filipino hotel staff in Tel Aviv, told The Manila Times that the conflict has disrupted her daily life.
“When the sirens go off, we are shocked. We stay at home, as advised by the government, and wait for the situation to calm down,” she said in Filipino.
Despite the fear and uncertainty, she remains committed to her work, which provides her with financial stability and the means to support her family back in the Philippines.
In an interview with The Manila Times on Thursday, Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola said despite the collective fear caused by the war, Filipinos’ decision to remain in Israel is rooted in economic necessity.
With a minimum wage of about $2,000 — significantly higher than in other Middle Eastern countries — Israel offers financial stability that many cannot find elsewhere.
“That alone is a big incentive for them to come here. And then you have the treatment of the Israelis toward the Filipinos, which is different from what you would expect from other employers; they’re considered part of the family,” Mendiola said.
The Filipino community in Israel comprises about 27,000, with a high concentration in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa.
On the eve of June 7, Iran fired missiles at northern Israel in retaliation after the latter attacked Beirut — the first time attacks were made in the region after two months.
Sirens were heard across parts of Israel on Monday, June 8, in time for Israel Pride Week, where tourists flock to the country for the only Pride event in the Middle East. Last year’s celebration was called off due to the war with Iran.
As the tensions escalate, Mendiola highlighted the unique challenges Filipinos face in the country.
“Just like anybody here in Israel, we experience the same stresses. We go to bomb shelters when needed,” she said.
Mendiola emphasized the importance of psychosocial support for the Filipino community.
The Philippine Embassy, in partnership with the Department of Health, has established telemedicine services, offering free counseling sessions to those in need.
“We’ve partnered with psychologists from Manila to conduct online counseling sessions, and we’ve also organized community gatherings to address the psychosocial needs of our countrymen,” Mendiola said.
These efforts aim to help Filipinos cope with the stress and trauma of living in a conflict zone.
She added that the embassy disseminates real-time updates and advisories through a dedicated WhatsApp chat group.
For instance, during the June 8 attack, the embassy alerted the community two hours in advance, giving them ample time to seek shelter.
In addition to safety measures, the embassy has implemented a comprehensive system to address the needs of Filipinos during crises. From food assistance to repatriation, the embassy has transformed its operations to support the community — especially workers in the hotel industry like Taguiam, where a “no work, no pay” policy was implemented at the height of the war.
“We buy Filipino groceries and pack them as comfort food. Even if the area is unsafe, we hire couriers to deliver these food packs,” Mendiola said.
The embassy has also facilitated repatriation efforts, creating a master list to identify those in need of assistance and coordinating with Philippine agencies to ensure a smooth process.
Despite the growing uncertainty in the region, Mendiola remains optimistic about the future of Filipinos in Israel. She continues to advocate for their safety and well-being while fostering stronger ties between the Philippines and Israel.
“Life goes on,” she said, underscoring the resilience of the Filipino community.
