Israel honors Pinay for heroism during Hamas attack

MANILA, Philippines — Filipina caregiver Camille Jesalva was honored by Israeli President Isaac Herzog for her heroism during the Oct. 7, 2023 terror attacks in Israel, the Israeli embassy in Manila said yesterday.

Jesalva is a survivor from the Kibbutz area. She saved her life and the life of her Israeli employer by offering her money to Hamas. 

The embassy said the event was held for authors and heroes like Jesalva whose stories were featured in the bestselling book “One Day in October” which tells 40 inspiring stories from Oct. 7.

During their conversation, Jesalva told Herzog that she is Filipino and proud to be one.

“The President then praised Camille for her quick thinking which helped them keep safe during the ordeal,” the embassy said.

The dangerous and near death experience when the militant Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7 strengthened the bond between Jesalva and her 95-year-old Israeli employer. 

Seeing armed Hamas members inside the quiet home of her employer, Jesalva was able to contact her family in the Philippines, telling them “I don’t think I can make it” with the militants’ threat to kill them. 

“Send me a picture of my son. I don’t think I can make it,” Jesalva recalled her words to her family. 

She pleaded with the armed men not to hurt her and Nitza, her employer from Kibbutz Nirim, telling them she is an old woman and doesn’t understand what’s happening. 

Jesalva told the men to take the money from her wallet and go. She also pleaded with the militants not to take her passport so she can return to the Philippines and be with her son. 

Those who died in the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel were remembered during the observance of Israel’s Memorial Day in May.

Prayers and a moment of silence were offered in memory of fallen Israeli soldiers and civilians, including Filipino caregivers Angelyn Aguirre, Loreta Alacre, Grace Cabrera and Paul Vincent Castelvi, who were murdered by Hamas.

The embassy also honored the late Sgt. Cydrick Garin, a Filipino-Israeli who served in the Israel Defense Forces and was killed in action early this year.