The ancient festival of Sukkot, deeply rooted in the Jewish faith, is being observed across Israel this week, with a poignant reflection on the Philippines’ longstanding tradition of hospitality. Also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, Sukkot commemorates the forty years the Israelites wandered in the desert, dwelling in temporary booths. In a heartfelt tribute, Israeli officials have recalled how the Philippines offered a safe haven to Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust during World War II. Under President Manuel Quezon, the Philippines welcomed over 1,300 Jewish refugees, an act of compassion that remains etched in Israeli memory.
As families across Israel construct and dwell in sukkahs—temporary huts adorned with fruits and branches—the story of the Philippines’ open doors serves as a powerful reminder of shared humanity. The Philippine government, then a Commonwealth under U.S. sovereignty, provided visas to Jews escaping Nazi persecution in 1939. This gesture, relatively small in scale but immense in moral significance, is celebrated annually during Sukkot by Israeli leaders and Jewish communities worldwide.
In Jerusalem, synagogues and community centers have hosted special events honoring the Philippines-Israel friendship. Rabbis have spoken of the “righteous among the nations” spirit exhibited by Filipino leaders, emphasizing that hospitality is a sacred duty. A senior Israeli diplomat remarked, “The Philippines showed that even in the darkest times, humanity can shine. We remember this during Sukkot, when we are commanded to rejoice and welcome guests.”
The Filipino community in Israel, numbering thousands, has also joined the festivities, sharing traditional dishes and strengthening cultural ties. This Sukkot, the sukkahs of Israel stand not only as a symbol of ancient wandering but as a living testament to the Philippines’ enduring legacy of kindness—a legacy that continues to bridge nations and faiths.
