Remembering Oct. 7

Tomorrow, Oct. 7, we commemorate a day that changed the lives of many – a day of pain, loss and tragedy. It has been exactly one year since the atrocities committed by Hamas on Israel. But the pain and trauma still linger on for every Israeli and the Jewish people. This day has not only changed Israeli society but has also significantly impacted the Middle East since we are still at war.

That very day has torn families apart with over 1,200 innocent lives taken – including the four Filipino victims murdered by Hamas: Angelyn Aguirre, Loreta Alacre, Grace Cabrera and Paul Castelvi. I can still feel the pain and suffering of their families and loved ones. Also on that day, over 240 individuals were brutally abducted from their homes to Gaza and up until this day, 101 Israeli hostages are still held in captivity – 10 of them are women, two are toddlers and at least 40 of them have been murdered by Hamas. We did not stop an inch to call for their safe and swift return home.

Despite it all, Oct. 7 did not break Israel or its people. Even if the Jewish state has been experiencing attacks from Iran and its proxies Hezbollah, Houthis and Hamas, the world has witnessed Israel’s strength, resilience and determination.

Israel will recover, I have no doubt. Our spirit is unbreakable. Our history shows that every time we are tested, we emerge stronger, more united and more determined to protect our future. We will also continue to innovate for the greater good and contribute to humanity.

Even if the war with Hamas and Hezbollah and Iran’s proxies is still ongoing, I would like to say this: no attack, no force and no threat will ever erase the spirit of the Israeli people. We have proven that we are a people who rise, who rebuild and who overcome. Terrorism is a global threat, it seeks to divide us, to weaken our resolve. Israel is in the forefront of this global war, but we always stand together.

Our Jewish homeland and the Jewish people will continue to thrive and spread good to the world. I have mentioned in the past examples of Israeli innovations that make impact nowadays such as drip irrigation, water desalination, Waze, Viber and more.

It is deeply troubling to witness the global rise in antisemitism following the events of Oct. 7. This hateful ideology is spreading across the globe, even within prestigious institutions like Ivy League universities in the United States.

We are seeing a rise in verbal and physical assaults against Jewish individuals and communities. Many Jews now feel unsafe, afraid to openly express their identity or wear symbols of their faith, such as the kippa I am wearing now. But why should anyone fear being who they are?

However, despite all the darkness, there has been light. Since Oct. 7, the outpouring of support and solidarity from friends around the world has been overwhelming and heartening.

I wish to express my deepest appreciation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his resolute message of solidarity on Oct. 11, strongly condemning the Hamas terrorist attack and urging the immediate release of hostages. I also thank the Philippine government for assisting the bereaved families of the OFWs who are victims of terror.

Another inspiring story is a group of Filipino volunteers who dedicated more than two and a half months to serve at a rehabilitation hospital in Tel Aviv, embodying the bayanihan spirit that defines the Filipino people.

Most of all, I commend and sincerely thank the 28,000 OFWs in Israel who have remained steadfast with their Israeli employers. Many of you work in our homes, caring for our loved ones, often in times of great difficulty and fear. You care for our elderly, you provide comfort to families in distress and you become an integral part of our families and communities.

Your bravery is a reminder of the deep bond between our nations – a bond built on shared values, mutual respect and the belief in the dignity of every human life.

As we commemorate this day, we also remember the innocent people from both sides suffering in the middle of this war. As we mark this week Rosh Hashanah or the Jewish New Year, we continue to pray and renew our commitment to healing and peace.

In the face of hatred, we choose hope.

In the face of violence, we choose peace.

We refuse to vanish; instead, we will grow, flourish, innovate and share the gifts of Israel with the world.

Am Yisrael Chai – the people of Israel live, and together, we will build a future of peace, security and hope for all.

*      *      *

Ilan Fluss is the Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines.