THE hospitality of Filipinos even in times of crisis was cited by an Israeli delegation who paid a courtesy visit on Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim.

Led by Haifa City Mayor Yona Yahav, the delegation from Israel visited Lim at the Manila City Hall to reaffirm Manila and Haifa’s sister-city relations which go as far back as decades ago, at the very least.   

In his short message, Yahav expressed admiration for the hospitality of Filipinos.  

He said the Israelis are grateful to the Filipinos for accommodating their citizens particularly during the time of the holocaust, where Jews who were refused refuge in several countries were offered asylum in the Philippines during the administration of the late President Manuel L. Quezon.

In response, Lim told the delegation: “We do know your country is a very courageous country.  Despite of enemies surrounding Israel, you were able to fight back and defeat the opponents of Israel .  We do hope and pray that there will be an end to this violence because we sincerely believe that any differences between nations or among people can be settled peacefully and amicably,” Lim said.

During the said meeting, Lim presented to Yahav and his delegation the symbolic key to the City of Manila with chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman, city hall department heads and directors of city-run hospitals.