NAGA CITY — Former vice president and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo’s reception of Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh in a courtesy visit on Monday has triggered an argument among netizens.
Kursh visited Museo ni Jesse Robredo, a museum in Naga Civic Center dedicated to the legacy of Robredo’s late husband, former mayor and local govenment secretary Jesse Robredo.
Israel has been facing criticism for its response to the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack. Israel justified its military response as an essential exercise of its right to self-defense aimed at destroying Hamas’ military capabilities and securing the release of hostages. However, the operation drew widespread global criticism and legal scrutiny over the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, high civilian casualties, and allegations of disproportionate force and international law violations.
Ka Leody de Guzman, a socialist labor rights activist, posted: “Kulay Rosas ang Tel Aviv,” pertaining to the pink color of rose, which was Robredo’s campaign color in the 2022 polls.
Some netizens even called Robredo a Zionist for hosting Kursh. Others posted digitally manipulated photos of Robredo standing next to Adolf Hitler and Darth Vader.
Meanwhile, some netizens cited the community protests in Siargao over Israeli tourist behavior, business disputes and the establishment of a Jewish Chabad house in General Luna.
There were also some who sided with Robredo, saying receiving Kursh is part of her duties as a mayor and the meeting was a mere act of courtesy.
