Filipino hostage survivor Galinor “Jimmy” Pacheco honors Israel and his fallen friends by naming his newborn daughter Yisraela, months after surviving 48 days in Hamas captivity.
In a deeply moving turn of events, Galinor “Jimmy” Pacheco, the Filipino caregiver kidnapped by Hamas terrorists from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 massacre, has welcomed a new life into the world — his fourth daughter, Yisraela.
The 34-year-old father of four chose the name as a heartfelt tribute to the State of Israel, where he worked for years and forged deep bonds with the community that became like family — and where he endured 48 harrowing days in captivity before being released.
“Yisraela carries the memory of the people I loved, lived with, and suffered alongside,” Pacheco said, explaining the name’s profound significance.
A Survivor’s Journey
On October 7, Pacheco was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, where he served as the dedicated caregiver to 80-year-old Amitai Ben Zvi. Ben Zvi, tragically, was murdered in the attack, while Pacheco was taken hostage into Gaza. His nightmare ended on November 24, 2023, when he was released in a negotiated deal.
Returning to the Philippines, Pacheco was embraced by his family in an emotional reunion that marked the end of one ordeal — and now, the beginning of a new chapter.
A Name Full of Meaning
Baby Yisraela joins her siblings Gian Kyle, Gillian Carlo, and Jiayhan Salin. For Pacheco, the name is more than symbolic — it is a living testament to resilience, gratitude, and the enduring bond between him and the country that became his second home.
The birth of Yisraela transforms Pacheco’s story from one of survival to one of hope, healing, and remembrance, offering a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s ability to rise above tragedy.
