Israeli envoy hopes PH lifts travel ban

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss expressed hope that the Philippine government will lift its travel advisory restricting the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Israel.

During a press conference at the Governor’s Office on Monday, Fluss emphasized that Filipinos are still very much welcome to work in Israel. “I hope the Philippine government lifts the travel advisory,” reiterated Fluss, who was on his first visit to Negros Occidental since Friday.

Fluss visited the family of Loreta Alacre in Cadiz City, an OFW killed in the conflict between Israel and Hamas rebels. He ensured that the Alacre family received all the assistance provided by the Israeli government. He noted that Alacre’s siblings are doing well after receiving financial aid from both the Israeli and Philippine governments, as well as local officials.

Fluss also visited an evacuation center named after Alacre. He highlighted that his role extends beyond Manila, stressing the importance of engaging with different communities and local government units to understand the country better.

“The other reason is also to promote the relations between Israel and the province here,” he said.

Fluss emphasized that OFWs in Israel are treated like citizens and receive the same benefits as other employees. He shared that he hosted an OFW and his family in his home, who have since returned to Israel and resumed work.

“That sends a very strong message of trust, a sense of belonging because the OFWs in Israel are given the sense that they are part of the family,” he said.

Fluss also met with Governor Eugenio Lacson, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, and Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez on Monday morning.