Numerous Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) find themselves stranded in Israel due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. This crisis is deeply rooted in a longstanding territorial dispute influenced by both religion and politics.

Amid the chaos, innocent civilians, including OFWs in Israel, have become unintended victims of this complex situation.

The chain of events began on a Saturday, October 7, 2023, during a music festival in Southern Israel, when attendees suddenly noticed smoke in the distance. This smoke, as it tragically unfolded, was the result of a rocket attack carried out by Hamas, a militant group based in Palestine.

The militant group unleashed a barrage of rockets onto the festival grounds, leading to a devastating loss of life with hundreds of casualties and many more left traumatized. A survivor who witnessed the horrific incident described the events at the festival as profoundly shocking, referring to the tragedy inflicted upon innocent civilians as nothing short of a “slaughter.”

Irene Torres, a dedicated Filipina caregiver, recently uploaded a video that captured a harrowing moment. The darkness was enveloping, but the sound of gunshots was unmistakable. It was a dire situation as Hamas had entered the home of her employer. In a commendable act of quick thinking, Irene managed to guide her elderly Israeli charge to the safety of a bomb shelter.

The chilling video showcased the very real dangers faced by individuals caught in the midst of conflict. In a subsequent interview with GMA Integrated News, Irene courageously shared the story behind the video, shedding light on the challenges and resilience displayed by caregivers in such precarious situations.