Filipina Caregiver Honored by Israeli President for Heroic Actions

Filipina nurse Camille Jesalva with Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the President's House in Jerusalem (Tel Aviv PE Photo)

JERUSALEM 26 July 2024 – Ms. Camille Jesalva, the Filipina caregiver who saved her elderly ward during the 07 October terror attacks, was honored by President Isaac Herzog at the President’s House on 16 July 2024. President Herzog held the event for the authors and heroes like Camille whose stories were featured in the bestselling book One Day in October, which tells 40 inspiring stories from 07 October.

On 07 October, Camille was taking care of 95-year-old Nitza Hefer when Hamas terrorists attacked their community Kibbutz Nirim. Camille convinced the militants who entered their house not to harm them by offering her $370 savings and mobile phone. When the attackers fled with the valuables, Camille and Nitza locked themselves inside the safe room until they were rescued by the Israel Defense Forces.

Camille’s inspiring story went viral and received widespread media coverage, turning her into a national hero of sorts in Israel. During their conversation, Camille mentioned her taking pride in being a Filipino to Israeli President Herzog, who in turn praised Camille for her quick thinking amidst the ordeal. Camille’s display of courage as well as compassion and malasakit in the face of extreme personal danger brings both inspiration and pride, and more importantly, strengthens the emotional link and deep friendship that bind Filipinos and Israelis. END

Camille with President Herzog, the authors of the book, and other honorees. (Tel Aviv PE Photo)

For more information, visit https://www.telavivpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassy.org.il, https://www.facebook.com/PHinIsrael/, or https://twitter.com/PHinIsrael.