MARCH 16, 2026 – The Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh on Monday visited the wake of Mary Ann de Vera, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was killed during a missile strike in Tel Aviv, Israel.
The wake, held in Basista, Pangasinan, was also visited by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief Patricia Yvonne Caunan, along with Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III.
Israeli Envoy Visits Wake of OFW Killed in Missile Strike
“I’m basically representing the state of Israel. And on behalf of the state of Israel, we came to give a big hug to the family of Mary Ann, who lost her life while being a selfless caregiver and taking care of a wonderful lady in Israel,” Ambassador Dana Kursh said in an interview, as reported by the Philippine News Agency. “We came to provide comfort to the grieving parents, the brother, [an] OFW in Qatar, and also the husband that I met in the airport a few days back.”
“And God willing, I hope that they all will be safe and sound. And that peace and quiet will come back to the Middle East at large and to Israel in specific,” the ambassador added. “We cannot return her, but we can try to ease the pain of this family. And that is exactly why I am here, on behalf of the people of Israel.”
For his part, Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III shared that the swift repatriation of Mary Ann’s remains somehow eased the anxiety of her family. He mentioned that the provincial government provided initial assistance, and also a job to Mary Ann’s husband Bernie Lavarias, if he decides not to return to Israel.
The governor also asked other Pangasinense OFWs in the Middle East to be extra careful, and to coordinate with the embassies of the country they are based in.
In another interview, OWWA chief Patricia Yvonne Caunan stated that Mary Ann’s family received assistance from the Philippine government as well as from the Israeli government.
“We are here to bring assistance to the family of Mary Ann,” the OWWA chief declared. “As an active member of OFW in this kind of situation, OWWA provided the first aid worth PHP200,000. On top of that, there is Burial Assistance later, and our first Special Financial Assistance to her. So all in all, OWWA can provide around PHP220,000 to P250,000, including the livelihood assistance to the family that was left behind.”
Caunan also described Mary Ann, who was nicknamed Michelle, as a hero: “She did not leave her patient, the one she is taking care of. She did not become selfish. She could have prioritized herself. That is the true Filipino, the sacrifice of an OFW. I would like to say that we are very proud that Michelle really showed her values, her sacrifice for the Philippines, for her family, for the one she is taking care of. I think, not only here in her province, but I am sure that the whole Philippines is very proud that they have a hero.”
Moreover, OWWA chief Caunan affirmed that the Philippine government is ready to help OFWs who are affected by the conflict in the Middle East. According to her, the government’s “one country team approach,” which includes the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and OWWA — are always prepared to provide any assistance that OFWs may need.