In the wake of the recent surprise assault launched by the Palestinian militant group Hamas from Gaza, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) has called upon authorities to establish a bomb shelter for Filipinos in Israel.
With Israel declaring war on Hamas, the safety and well-being of Filipinos residing in the country have become a growing concern.
Trooper Mariano, a Filipino caregiver working near Gaza, emphasized the need for a dedicated bomb shelter for those who are in between jobs or undocumented.
While some buildings do have their own bomb shelters, individuals without proper documentation or employment find themselves with nowhere to seek refuge in times of crisis.
Despite the worries surrounding their safety, many OFWs are reluctant to return to the Philippines at this time.
Mariano explained that the surprise attack conducted by Palestinians caught Israel off guard, as it coincided with a holiday.
However, he expressed a belief that they would stay in Israel due to the country’s ability to maintain control over the situation.
Assuring the Filipino community in Israel, Department of Migrant Workers officer-in-charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that authorities are actively coordinating with community leaders to address their needs, including the provision of a bomb shelter.
Cacdac emphasized that efforts are being made to ensure that OFWs have a secure place to seek refuge.
The Department of Foreign Affairs estimates that there are approximately 30,000 Filipinos residing in Israel, with the majority concentrated in the northern part of the country.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 9, 2023
