MANILA – Bernie Lavarias, husband of Filipino caregiver Mary Anne de Vera, met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Thursday at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem to receive condolences following his wife’s tragic death in a missile strike.
De Vera was killed on March 1 while guiding her elderly ward to a shelter in Tel Aviv after an Iranian missile hit the city.
During the meeting, President Herzog assured Lavarias that he would be entitled to financial support and a monthly allowance through Israel’s national compensation program for victims of war.
“On behalf of the State of Israel, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to Mary Anne’s family and to the people of the Philippines,” Herzog said, noting that many Israelis view Filipino caregivers as members of their families.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola accompanied Lavarias and expressed gratitude for the support shown to the bereaved family. She highlighted the broader Filipino community’s grief over the loss of Mary Anne and five other Filipinos killed during last year’s conflict with Iran and the October 7 attacks.
Mendiola also emphasized the need for workplaces to provide accessible emergency shelters for Filipino workers and expressed hope for lasting peace to prevent further tragedies.
Mary Anne de Vera’s remains were flown back to Manila on Thursday night, with Lavarias accompanying her on the flight.
elamigo/xf
