KOLAMBUGAN, Lanao del Norte — Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh personally visited the wake of Filipina national Lucille Jean Olasiman Gershovich, conveying her deepest sympathies to the grieving family following the latter’s death in a missile attack in Israel.
Gershovich, a resident of Barangay Austine Heights in this municipality, was among those killed during a missile strike in Haifa amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. She reportedly died alongside her Israeli partner and his parents when missiles, allegedly launched by Iran, hit their area.
The ambassador was joined by Israeli Embassy representatives, including Moti Cohen and consular officer Maria Luisa Ariño, during the visit.
Prior to proceeding to the wake, Kursh paid a courtesy call at the Kolambugan municipal hall, where she and her delegation were warmly received by Mayor Lorenzo “Iyoy” Mañigos, Vice Mayor Angelo Completado, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan. Provincial officials, led by Vice Governor Allan Lim, were also present.
A simple breakfast reception was hosted by the local government, where discussions extended beyond formalities. Ambassador Kursh expressed appreciation for the town’s hospitality, while local leaders took the opportunity to present Kolambugan’s development roadmap, particularly its agricultural priorities.
Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Arlet Legaspi outlined key initiatives and future plans, sparking exchanges on potential cooperation and development directions. Tokens were exchanged between the visiting delegation and local officials as a gesture of goodwill.
Following the meeting, the delegation proceeded to the residence of the bereaved family, where Ambassador Kursh personally met Gershovich’s parents, siblings, and relatives. The visit marked a solemn moment as the envoy expressed solidarity with the family in their time of grief.
The remains of Gershovich arrived in Ozamiz City and were initially brought to a funeral chapel before being transferred to her family home in Austine Heights, where she lay in state. She was later laid to rest.
In response to the tragedy, the Kolambugan local government extended financial assistance worth ₱10,000 to the Olasiman family. The check, issued in the name of her brother Rex Olasiman, was personally delivered by municipal officials, including Budget Officer Earl Columnas and members of the mayor’s staff.
Gershovich’s mother, Lucila Olasiman, expressed gratitude to the local government, particularly to Mayor Mañigos, for the swift assistance and support extended to their family during the wake.
The tragic death of Gershovich underscores the far-reaching human toll of ongoing geopolitical conflicts, with overseas Filipinos once again caught in the crossfire of international hostilities.