By: Cali Demi
Full awareness and constant vigilance have become a way of life for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) caught in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Early this morning, around 3:00 AM Tel Aviv time, another missile alert echoed through the city, forcing residents to seek immediate shelter.
One Filipino worker shared that ever since the conflict began, they’ve grown used to sleeping in their rubber shoes, with a packed backpack always by their side. “That way, if something explodes again, we can immediately run to the bomb shelter. We can’t sleep soundly. We’re always sleep-deprived,” the OFW said.
Streets in parts of Tel Aviv were nearly deserted during the alert as people, including many Filipinos, quickly evacuated or stayed indoors to avoid any risk of exposure.
Many OFWs say they’ve learned to adapt to emergencies like this, but they admit this war feels different—more frightening, more uncertain. Still, the need to earn a living outweighs their fears, forcing them to choose work over safety while staying extremely cautious.
Despite the fear, they continue to endure—hoping for stability, but ready for the worst. For them, survival means being prepared both mentally and physically, every single day.
