Israel envoy vows OFW safety, eyes Iloilo tech partnership

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh assured the safety of overseas Filipino workers in Israel and explored potential technology and investment partnerships with Iloilo during her visit on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Kursh paid a courtesy call on Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, where she said measures are in place to protect Filipinos amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

“To every family of OFW here in Western Visayas and Iloilo, I promise that the authorities of Israel and the people of Israel will make sure that OFWs in Israel are safe. I do hope and pray for peace that will come to the region,” she said in a media interview.

She explained that Israel’s security system includes a mobile alert application that warns of missile launches, access to shelters, and the Iron Dome defense system that intercepts incoming threats.

Kursh acknowledged that some OFWs have died since October 2023 due to the conflict.

She noted that the Israeli government continues to reach out to affected families and provide support, including compensation under laws covering victims of war and terrorism.

“We can try as much as we can to put an ease and to show them that we are with them,” she added.

About 30,000 OFWs are currently in Israel, whom the envoy described as “very much cherished.”

Discussions during the meeting with provincial officials also focused on strengthening economic and technological cooperation between Iloilo and Israel.

Defensor highlighted the province’s interest in drone development and information and communications technology to improve disaster preparedness and response, as well as to enhance Iloilo’s investment climate.

Kursh, who was accompanied by Consul Moti Cohen and MASHAV officer Richelle Maulion, committed to help connect the province with potential Israeli investors in these sectors.

The governor also presented the province’s flagship “Purok Resilience” program, which aims to provide climate-resilient housing for communities in high-risk areas.

The ambassador was on a two-day visit to Iloilo, where she met with local leaders and the business sector to explore partnerships and strengthen business-to-business linkages.

She expressed interest in promoting Iloilo as a destination for Israeli tourists and cited agriculture as another key area of cooperation, particularly through the Philippine-Israel Internship Program for the Youth, which supports knowledge exchange to improve food security.