Migrante-Middle East expressed deep concern over the escalation of conflict brought about by Israel’s aggression against the people of Iran. The series of bombings by the Zionist state on June 13 triggered Iran’s retaliatory attacks and endangered the lives of all residents and migrants in the Middle East. Around 30,000 Filipino migrants currently work in Israel, more than 1,000 in Iran, and over 2 million across the Middle East.

Migrante-Middle East blames the Zionist-initiated conflicts for the dangers Filipinos face.

“They are responsible for the loss of homes of Filipino-Palestinian families who fled from Gaza, and of OFWs in Lebanon and Syria. Their wars put Filipino seafarers at risk of detention as they are forced to pass through war zones near Yemen,” the group said.

About 150 Filipino migrants in Israel have already sought assistance to return to the Philippines. However, most of the 30,000 migrants, the majority of whom work as domestic helpers or caregivers for the elderly and the sick, hesitate to return home for fear of losing their livelihoods.

“Had there been decent jobs with good wages, I and other Filipinos would not have gone abroad,” said Charlot David, who has worked in Israel for the past 17 years.

“Perhaps if airstrikes intensify closer to my city, I might change my decision. I am more afraid to return to the Philippines and be jobless. My family depends on me,” caregiver and Migrante-Middle East member Dexter Datu said.

Department of Migrant Worker secretary Hans Cacdac has said that the agency will provide financial assistance equivalent to 4-6 months’ salary for migrants who return home.

However, Datu said the assistance DMW extends to migrantes once they return to the Philippines is small.

They only receive a total of ₱125,000 (US$2,190) from various agencies, while the average salary of a Filipino caregiver is 4,800 to 5,800 shekels (US$1,370 to US$1,655) per month.

“This is not enough for us to start over and not go abroad again,” Datu explained.

“We call on the Marcos administration to organize systematic support for Filipinos in Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. The government must also provide jobs and living wages to Filipinos so they no longer have to endanger themselves just to feed their families.”

“We condemn Zionist Israel’s brutality against Iran. They are the number one enemy of genuine peace for the people and migrants in the Middle East,” the group said. It called on Filipino migrants to oppose Israel’s war of aggression and of its US master.

“Together with the Palestinians, Iranians, and all oppressed peoples, let us unite to fight imperialism and fascism,” Migrante International urged.