Israel ambassador extols Filipino's courage, generosity
Israeli Missions Around The World Manila News and Events Israel ambassador extols Filipino's courage, generosity

Israel envoy extols Filipinos' courage, generosity

  • 3/7/2018
  • Article and photos by Jemin B. Guillermo, Philippine Information Agency
     

    ​The State of Israel acknowledged the courage and generosity of the Filipinos.

    In his visit to Capiz, March 6, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ephraim Ben Matityau said that they will always be grateful to the generosity and courage of Filipinos for winning their moral standing and moral victory.

    “Philippines’ vote for the United Nations Resolution was crucial for the creation of the State of Israel in 1947 under the leadership of then President Roxas and Vice President and Foreign Affairs Secretary Quirino,” the Ambassador said.
    He admired the kind of leadership of former Presidents Manuel Quezon and Manuel Roxas in making very critical decision for the people of Israel who were accommodated in the Philippines being refugees from the Holocaust.
    “President Quezon’s Open Door Policy in 1937 saved the lives of 1,300 Jewish refugees from the Holocaust,” he said, thanking the Philippines for taking them in.

    Part of his activities in Capiz were the wreath laying at President Manuel A. Roxas monument at the Roxas City public plaza, visit and distribution of books at the Pres. Manuel Roxas Memorial School-South and Capiz National High School, followed by the “Thank You Philippines” program at the Capiz gymnasium.


    On the other hand, Capiz Governor Antonio Del Rosario warmly welcomed to Capiz the Israeli Ambassador and the Wings of Hope Foundation led by Capt. Irene Mora.
    Del Rosario said that Capiceños are happy and proud to know that until this day, Israel continues to recognize the generous act of the late President Roxas and through the years, the country has eloquently showed in many ways their gratitude and affection towards the Filipino people.
    He also said that Filipinos are given the rare privilege to visit the State of Israel without the need of a visa.
    In February 26, 2018, Israel and the Philippines marked the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship that highlighted not just the political bilateral relations but also the people-to-people relation founded on the basis of deep ties bonding the two nations.