Jerusalem – More than 1,000 Jews fleeing persecution in Nazi Germany found refuge in the faraway Philippines, thanks to the government’s “open doors” policy that Israel plans to honor with a monument next month, officials said yesterday.
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The modern structure of three steel doors, frames and marble floor tiles commemorates the “courage, hospitality and the determination” of the Philippines to give humanitarian support for European Jews seeking refuge from the Holocaust, the Israeli Embassy said in a statement on its website.
It will be a kidish hashem
U think the the reason why the Asian countries were much better to Jews during the war than the Europeans, is they almost not religious. The main hate in Europe came of religious reasons. I am afraid to say that secular people can be dissent and good, but it sounds true!
the Philippines is a catholic country.
I don’t understand this. In the years leading up to WW2, the Philippines were not independent, they were a USA commonwealth, rather like Puerto Rico. Did they set their own immigration policy, or was it set by the American High Commissioner? And during the War they were under Japanese occupation, and thus not at all in control of what happened there. So what exactly are they being honoured for?
I don’t understand what they’re being honoured for. In the pre-war period the Philippines was a commonwealth under USA rule, much like Puerto Rico; did it set its own immigration policy, or was that set by the American High Commissioner? And during the war it was under Japanese occupation, and not in control of anything.
I live in the Philippines and am active in the Jewish community here. There are quite a few Jews residing here, and incidents of anti-semitism are rare. A number of Israelis live in the islands. The Filipino people are warm, gracious, and family-oriented. Most of them are good people struggling to make a better life for their families. Although it is a Catholic country, the anti-semitism of the Church in Europe is not part of its baggage here.
The Filipino people deserve this honor because they were always there for the Jewish people in our time of need. Many more than 1,000 Jews were saved during the Shoah by the Philippines, largely because President Quezon at the time wanted to rescue as many Jews as possible, and he realized there were precious few places for the Jews to go to. If you want to learn more about Jewish life in the Philippines visit: retiredinparadise.shutterfly.com.
Just to set the record straight–President Manuel Quezon at the time, was responsible for letting numbers of Jews in the Philippines. Although some Filipino officials balked, President Quezon had the last word and many Jews were saved. I know the figure is higher than 1,000. Although the the Philippines was indeed an American territory at the time, my impression is that with growing Japanese expansion, the USA was more focused on its military bases than worrying about Jewish refugees seeking refuge in the country.
So what if it was the U.S. did have the final say. If Jews were treated well and as guests then their is no need for determining who gets special credit. The U.S has been honored many times over for their achievements and Acts during WW2. The Philippines and other smaller allied countries have been largely forgotten after the War for their equally brave roles in stopping great evil. The Philippines is known throughout the world for its humble and hospitable people. They made it a home for lost Jews when there was no where else to go. The monument should be seen as honoring the friends and neighbors of these current Jewish residents and not necessarily the politicians. Your not seeing the bigger picture.