Israel is working to repatriate 17 Filipino officials stranded in the country within the week as its conflict with Iran escalates into its fifth day, an Israeli aid official said Tuesday.
Irit Savion Waidergorn, deputy head of Israel’s international aid agency MASHAV, said the group, primarily composed of mayors participating in a study tour on urban agriculture and green cities, has expressed a desire to return to the Philippines as soon as possible. The officials were in Israel for MASHAV’s program and were set to attend the Muni Expo 2025 trade show, scheduled for June 17-19, before the conflict disrupted plans.
“They’re safe. They’re with our team — their accommodations, their meals, all their needs are being catered,” Waidergorn said in a phone interview Tuesday night. “There are safe rooms and public shelters in their hotel, and whenever needed, they go there, and they’re very safe there.”
The group, part of a broader delegation including local government officials from Latin America, Asia, and Africa, has been forced to take shelter amid Iran’s retaliatory airstrikes, which began on June 13 following Israel’s military campaign. Despite the disruptions, Waidergorn said the group continues to engage in parts of the study program when not in bomb shelters. “We try to give them lectures and make sure their time passes as best as possible under the circumstances,” she added.
Israel is coordinating with Jordanian authorities and travel companies to arrange the group’s safe exit via land to Jordan, a shorter and safer route from their current location. “Our consular services are in touch with the Jordanian authorities, making sure that everybody that has to go via Jordan will be able to go home safely,” Waidergorn said. “As we speak, everything is being done for their safe travel as soon as possible, hopefully already this week.”
The Philippine government, through its Embassy in Tel Aviv, is in “full coordination” with MASHAV and Israeli authorities to facilitate the evacuation, Waidergorn noted.
The 17 officials are among 22 Filipinos who were in Israel under Israeli sponsorship when the conflict intensified. One visitor, participating in an LGBTQ advocacy program, has already left the country, according to Waidergorn.
The escalation, marked by deadly Iranian airstrikes, has heightened concerns for the safety of foreign nationals in Israel. The Israeli government’s efforts to ensure the Filipino officials’ safe return reflect its commitment to protecting visitors caught in the ongoing hostilities.
