Recognised as a victim of terror: Histadrut honours Mary Anne de Vera

The Histadrut mourns the tragic loss of Mary Anne de Vera, a 33‑year‑old caregiving worker from the Philippines, who was killed in Tel Aviv by an Iranian missile while protecting the elderly woman in her care. Her final act of shielding her patient with her own body epitomises the courage, humanity, and unwavering dedication embodied by thousands of caregiving workers across Israel.

Mary Anne had been caring for the same elderly woman for three years. Despite having no protected room in the home, she chose to stay by her patient’s side when the missile alert sounded. Her employer later wrote that “her actions reflected extraordinary courage, deep dedication, and exceptional humanity.” She is survived by her parents and her partner in Israel.

According to Davar’s reporting, the National Insurance Institute (NII) has officially recognised her as a victim of terrorism, which entails that her family is entitled to full compensation under Israeli law. “Israel takes responsibility for all its citizens and for everyone who entered legally; all are entitled to the same benefits,” said Inbar David, head of the Hostile Actions Department at the NII.

Since October 7, 2023, the NII has supported the repatriation of 100 foreign nationals killed in hostile acts, ensuring equal eligibility for compensation and psychological support for surviving families.

A symbol of devotion and of a struggling workforce

Yossi Barabi, Chair of the Union of Security, Cleaning, and Caregiving Workers at the Histadrut, expressed the union’s deep sorrow:

“We share the grief of the family of Mary Anne de Vera, a caregiving worker who was murdered by an Iranian missile after shielding the elderly woman she cared for. Mary Anne is a symbol of the dedication, professionalism, and determination of caregiving workers, who often risk their lives around the clock – even paying with their lives.”

He emphasised that caregiving workers, Israelis and migrants alike, stand on the frontlines of eldercare, often without proper protection. Their work is essential, intimate, and too often undervalued.

Last week, just before the war began, the union had advanced toward declaring a sector‑wide labour dispute representing its 180,000 caregiving workers, demanding fair wages and improved safety. A parliamentary discussion, led by MK Ety Hava Atiya, had been scheduled to address the sector’s low wages and push for a minimum hourly wage of 50 NIS.

“Our struggle to improve wages, employment conditions, and protective measures will continue until we achieve justice for all caregiving workers,” Barabi added.

Mary Anne’s death is a reminder that migrant workers remain among the most vulnerable members of the global workforce, whilst their work sustains families, societies, and aging populations. The Histadrut reaffirms its solidarity with Mary Anne’s family, her community in the Philippines, and all caregiving workers in Israel and beyond. We are committed to improving working conditions, including safety conditions, and compensation for workers committed to their roles.

Some information for this article was taken from a report by Davar