JERUSALEM, Israel — Israel’s Special Envoy to the Christian World, George Deek, underscored the country’s commitment to protecting Christian communities, preserving religious sites, and promoting religious freedom during a briefing with members of a Philippine media delegation visiting Israel at the State of Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Addressing journalists from the Philippines, Deek said his office was established to strengthen ties between Israel and Christian communities worldwide while promoting what he described as shared values of human dignity, freedom, and mutual understanding. He also emphasized the importance of protecting religious sites and encouraging dialogue between Israel and Christian communities across the globe.
Deek said Israel’s Christian population has grown from about 34,000 in 1950 to approximately 189,000 today. He also noted that the number of churches has increased since Israel’s founding and cited the presence of Christians in the judiciary, medicine, academia, and the technology sector as examples of their integration into Israeli society.
According to Deek, Israel remains committed to protecting freedom of worship, with churches able to conduct religious services openly and legal mechanisms available to address reported violations of religious rights. He encouraged members of the Philippine media delegation to experience Israel firsthand, saying direct observation is the best way to understand the realities on the ground and counter misinformation.
Earlier, Michal Weiler-Tal, Director for Asia Department at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the Philippine delegation and expressed appreciation for the Filipino community in Israel, particularly Filipino caregivers, whom she described as valued members of Israeli society. She also reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to strengthening relations with the Philippines.
Prior to the briefing, the delegation traveled from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, where Israeli tour guide Henry Maaravi provided an overview of Israel’s geography, history, and religious diversity. Maaravi explained Israel’s strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, its multi-faith society, and Jerusalem’s significance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
The Philippine media familiarization tour forms part of Israel’s continuing engagement with Philippine journalists, providing firsthand exposure to the country’s religious heritage, history, culture, and contemporary developments.
NET25 Mata ng Agila International News Anchor Rikki Mathay, Israel Special Envoy to the Christian World George Deek, Open for Business Executive Producer Caesar Vallejos and and MFA Director for Asia Department Michal Weiler-Tal.
The visit also comes as Israel continues to promote broader cooperation with the Philippines. In a separate NET25 coverage of a mobile technology event in Manila, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh highlighted opportunities for greater bilateral collaboration in innovation and high-technology industries. Speaking alongside representatives of leading technology companies, Kursh underscored Israel’s strengths in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital technologies, semiconductors, water management, agriculture, and healthcare, while encouraging stronger partnerships with the Philippines.
