The message gladdened my heart.

“Can you help us?” it began. “We received an email regarding San Benito, and would like to know more…”

The sender was the press officer at the Israeli embassy in Manila, a Filipina named Rose, who–as a permanent resident and columnist in the Philippines–I’d worked with before and consider a friend. And San Benito? Well, let’s just call it a tiny municipality on the northwestern coast of Siargao Island, a place I hold dear.

“We received an email from their mayor asking for a humanitarian partnership for food security,” Rose continued. “Do you know anyone there?”

In fact, the mayor in question is related to my wife, who was born and raised on that rustic island where, yes, the price of rice has reportedly skyrocketed beyond the reach of many residents. So, my dear spouse immediately contacted the dear mayor, who, within hours, responded with a long letter offering details and documentation. Which means that Israel is now seriously considering her request.

Why does that gladden my heart? Because, aside from........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)