Filipino national Jimmy Pacheco, who was held captive in the Gaza Strip, and his wife, Clarice Joy, have celebrated the birth of their daughter, Israela. The name was chosen in honor of Israel, as a gesture of gratitude for the support and protection provided during Pacheco’s time in captivity.
Pacheco was working as a caregiver for an elderly Israeli man at Kibbutz Nir Oz when he was abducted during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He was released weeks later with the help of the Israel Defense Forces and Filipino diplomatic efforts. The act of naming their daughter reflects the deep bond the family feels with the country that supported them during their most difficult moments.
