Israeli envoy holds online dialogue with Siargao business owners

MANILA, Philippines — After her absence from a town hall meeting angered business owners in Siargao on Wednesday, Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh yesterday held an online dialogue with more than 70 business owners based on the island to address a violent incident involving two of her compatriots.

“We are here because we care about Siargao, its people, its future and its reputation as a world-class tourism and surfing destination,” Kursh said in a statement.

She said she canceled a planned in-person meeting with the Siargao stakeholders on Wednesday due to “coordination and protocol considerations.”

Kursh said the embassy acknowledged the ongoing public discussions on social media about the behavior of two Israeli visitors.

“We do not condone behavior that disrespects local laws or communities,” she said, stressing that the incident was isolated and should not define the entire visiting Israeli community.

On Sunday, two Israeli tourists allegedly assaulted two cafe owners after seeing a pro-Palestinian flag hanging outside their shops.