Leah Mosquera passed away Sunday morning due to wounds sustained after an Iranian ballistic missile hit her home in Rehovot nearly a month ago. She was 49 years old.
Mosquera, originally from Negros Occidental, Philippines, was employed as a home care nurse at when she was wounded on June 15.
According to a statement by the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, Mosquera was rushed to Shamir Medical Center for immediate medical treatment following the attack, and spent several weeks in the Intensive Care Unit. She underwent several surgeries as she continued to fight for her life, the statement said.
Mosquera’s sister, Joy, also works as a caregiver in Israel and spent the weeks following the attack caring for her sister, according to the Philippine Embassy.
The embassy extended thanks to first responders and priests who visited and prayed for Mosquera, as well as all to all who provided support for her family while she was in the ICU.
Currently, the embassy is working to repatriate the deceased for proper burial in her home country.
Mosquera - a dedicated woman to her family back home
She was lovingly referred to as “Ate Leah” by loved ones and would have celebrated her 50th birthday on July 29.
“Throughout her many years working in Israel, she dedicated herself to supporting her family back home – an enduring symbol of courage and sacrifice for overseas Filipino workers around the world,” the statement said. “Nawa’y maging pagpapala ang kaniyang alaala,” the embassy wrote in her native Tagalog — “May her memory be a blessing.”
MK Eti Atia, chair of the Committee for Foreign Workers said in a statement: “Our cruel enemies make no distinction between Jews, Israelis, and foreign workers. It is important to remember that, even now, there are still foreigners being held captive by Hamas. We maintain continuous communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the families regarding their situation.”