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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Two generations lost in one attack: Filipina, 3 kin killed in Haifa missile strike

Two generations lost in one attack: Filipina, 3 kin killed in Haifa missile strike

Israel's Embassy in the Philippines confirms deaths in the April 5 strike, as Manila and Tel Aviv communities mourn civilian casualties

Published Apr 7, 2026 11:23 am
An Iranian missile struck a residential neighborhood in Haifa, Israel. (Photo courtesy of Israel in the Philippines / Facebook)
An Iranian missile struck a residential neighborhood in Haifa, Israel. (Photo courtesy of Israel in the Philippines / Facebook)
A young Filipina who had recently begun building her life in Israel was among four family members killed in a missile strike that hit a residential area in Haifa, Israel.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 7, the Embassy of the State of Israel in the Philippines confirmed the deaths of Vladimir Gershovich, 73; his wife, Lena Ostrovsky, 68; their only son, Dmitry (Dima) Gershovich, 42; and his wife, Lucille Jane Gershovich, a 29-year-old Filipino citizen, on the evening of April 5.
Lucille and Dima, according to the embassy, were married in April 2024, marking the start of what relatives described as a new chapter together—cut short by the deadly attack.
Stark reminder
The Israeli Embassy described the incident as a devastating loss that wiped out two generations of one family in a single moment.
“Two generations of one family were killed in this attack, another stark reminder that the Iranian regime continues to target civilians indiscriminately,” the embassy said.
The attack, which struck a residential area, underscores the growing risks faced by civilians amid escalating regional tensions.
Israel, Filipino community share grief
Israel expressed “profound solidarity” with the bereaved family and the Filipino community, acknowledging the deep sense of loss felt in both nations.
“We mourn together and honor their memory with dignity,” the embassy said.
Call for respect and remembrance
The deaths of Lucille and her family highlight the human cost of conflict—one that continues to reverberate far beyond the borders where the violence occurs.
The embassy urged respect for the family during this difficult time, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who lost their lives.
“Lucille’s family has asked that their privacy be respected as they observe this period of mourning,” the embassy said.
In an earlier statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also expressed “deep sorrow” over the death of another Filipina amid tensions in the Middle East.
The DFA said the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv continues to assist her family and arrange the earliest possible repatriation of her remains despite ongoing travel constraints in the region.
READ: 
https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/07/dfa-confirms-filipina-killed-in-israel-missile-strike-amid-ongoing-conflict

Related Tags

Filipina killed in a Haifa Israel missile strike 2026; Iranian missile attack Israel; Filipina death abroad; civilian casualties Israel
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