Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said life has returned to normal in Israel following the recent ceasefire with Iran, but stressed that support for Filipino migrant workers remains a top priority.
In a GMA News Online report on Wednesday, Fluss confirmed that the state of emergency has been lifted, allowing daily life to resume for residents — including thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
“Life in Israel is back to normal, which means for the [Overseas Filipino Workers] in Israel, it is safe to go out, to go do your shopping, to meet your friends,” Fluss stated, emphasizing that Filipinos can now return to their routines after days of living under threat.
He acknowledged the emotional toll on both workers in Israel and their families back home, noting, “It’s a very good and positive message… our families in Israel had to go once, twice, three times a day into the shelters and [were] suffering from those missiles.”
Even with the improved security, Fluss assured that Israel remains committed to helping Filipinos who choose to return home. Repatriation efforts are being conducted in coordination with Philippine authorities including the Embassy, the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
Israel, he said, is not placing any restrictions on those who opt to leave. “It’s a free country. Israel is not putting any obstacles in that way,” Fluss emphasized, adding that OFWs may also return to Israel without needing a re-entry visa — part of a government measure to ease anxieties.
The ambassador also said psychological support and medical assistance are available for OFWs affected by the conflict.
Touching on the broader political tensions, Fluss rejected claims by Palestinian groups that Israel is using religion to frame the conflict, saying such narratives amount to “disinformation and misinformation.” He maintained that Israel’s position is centered on its right to statehood.
“It is recognition of the right of the state of Israel, which is the homeland for the Jews to exist,” Fluss said, explaining that opposition from Hamas and Iran stems from a refusal to accept this.
Fluss did acknowledge that Israel occupies some parts of Palestinian territory but pointed out that autonomy and rights were granted in those areas. He clarified that Gaza is not under occupation and reiterated the need for a peace partner. “As long as we don’t have a partner to negotiate peace, there is no way forward,” he added.
The ambassador also addressed a growing concern about rising anti-Semitic sentiments globally, including in the Philippines. While he rejected claims that Israel equates all criticism with anti-Semitism, he expressed alarm over growing hostility.
“We are seeing a global raise of anti-Semitic sentiments, which is alarming… In the Philippines, it went up in 10 years from 3% to 42%,” he said, urging for awareness and understanding.
Despite the challenges, Fluss expressed hope for eventual peace and recognition. “We will continue, unfortunately, to struggle,” he said, but added that Israel remains open to coexistence — as long as its right to exist is acknowledged.
