Cedrick Garin, a 23-year-old IDF reservist, was one of the 21 soldiers who died in a building collapse during a combat operation in Gaza on January 23, 2024. He was the only child of his parents Imelda and Rico, who came to Israel from the Philippines before he was born. His father was deported when Cedrick was two years old, but his mother remained with him in Israel as a temporary resident. Cedrick received Israeli citizenship upon completing his military service in 2021.
Cedrick’s life was not easy. He dropped out of high school and got into trouble with the law, before deciding to turn his life around and serve his adopted country. He fought to enlist in a combat position in the IDF and proved himself as a brave and dedicated soldier. He earned a certificate of distinction from the head of the IDF’s Southern Command for his service. He was happily married to Daniela, also the child of Filipino migrants, and was looking forward to becoming a father.
A generous gesture
On Sunday, January 28, 2024, Interior Minister Moshe Arbel visited Cedrick’s family to offer his condolences and to deliver some good news: he instructed the Population and Immigration Authority to grant citizenship to Cedrick’s parents. He told Hebrew media outlets that “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”. He added that “there is much weight to the issue of status and citizenship, but it’s important to remember that also temporary residents have rights like national insurance and the ability to work”.
A grateful response
Cedrick’s mother, Imelda, expressed her gratitude for the gesture and said that she was proud of her son and his contribution to Israel. She said that Cedrick loved Israel and wanted to provide for her so that she could stop working as a cleaner. She also said that she hoped that her husband, Rico, who was deported 20 years ago, would be able to return to Israel and reunite with her. Cedrick’s wife, Daniela, said that Cedrick was disappointed by the state and had to fight for his citizenship, but that he never gave up on his dreams.
