MANILA, Philippines – The Embassy of the State of Israel in the Philippines extended its message of condolences on Monday, to the family of a Filipino caregiver who died during an Iranian missile attack in Tel Aviv.
In a statement, the Embassy of Israel expressed its deepest condolences to the family of Mary Ann Velasquez de Vera, 32 years old, from Basista, Pangasinan; who tragically lost her life after sustaining injuries when an Iranian missile struck her apartment on Sunday.
(Courtesy of Embassy of the State of Israel in the Philippines)
During the missile attack, de Vera was assisting her patient to safety during Operation Roaring Lion, the codename used by Israel, for the coordinated joint attack on Iran with United States forces, the Embassy said.
“Mary Ann, like so many overseas Filipino workers in Israel, exemplified resilience, compassion, and quiet strength,” the Embassy stated.
She was identified by her husband, who is also an Overseas Filipino Worker in Israel, and their family.
“Israel joins in the profound sorrow of her family and the Filipino community. We mourn together and honor Mary Ann’s memory with dignity and respect. May her soul rest in peace,” the Embassy added.
Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran on Saturday, plunging the Middle East into a renewed military confrontation.
Tehran responded by launching missiles at Israel and called the strikes against it unprovoked and illegal.
(With reports from Reuters)
