Filipino parents of IDF soldier killed in Gaza war to be granted Israel citizenship

The parents of Sgt. First Class (res.) Cedrick Garin, one of the 21 soldiers killed in a single incident in Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in January, will be granted Israeli citizenship.

“Immediately after the shiva [mourning period], Garin's mother will come to us at the minister’s office and we will do everything to give the issue importance and priority - subject to legal advice,” Minister of Interior Moshe Arbel (Shas party) announced on Israel's KAN news outlet this week.

While visiting Garin's parents during the traditional Jewish mourning period, he thanked them for raising “a hero like Cedric.”

“There are no words to describe his bravery and dedication to the country. The entire State of Israel embraces and strengthens you in your difficult time,” Arbel told them.

Garin was the son of foreign workers from the Philippines and only became an Israeli citizen after finishing his regular army service.

He was raised by his mother, who has worked as a cleaner in Israel for over 30 years and holds permanent residency. His father was deported from Israel 22 years ago and has now returned to bury his son, who gave his life for the country.

“Cedrick’s parents sacrificed that which was most precious to them for the country, and we need to be by their side at this time,” Arbel told the media.

Garin’s path to the IDF's Givati Infantry Brigade wasn’t easy. Toward the end of his high school career, while many young Israeli men are typically preparing for enlistment in combat units, Garin got into trouble and dropped out.

“He is the kind of innocent child who gets into bad situations,” said his wife Daniela – but then, decided "he had to make a change.”

“He felt he was disappointing his mother, this wasn’t like him, he was a different child. He wanted to prove to her and to everyone that he is not like that,” she said.

So Garin turned his life around and despite not having to, insisted on serving in a combat unit. In the end, he was drafted into the Givati Brigade.

He went on to become an exemplary soldier and was even presented with a certificate of distinction from the head of the IDF’s Southern Command, before receiving Israeli citizenship at the end of his service.

Daniela said that Garin's mother raised him alone: "He’s the only one she has here. She’s alone now. Cedric would always check her bills, the rent – he took care of her. I hope that her citizenship process will advance – it’s a shame that it has to happen only after she sacrificed her son.”