Margot Cassel-Pins: Very often when a stranger comes, the first reaction is one of hesitation and estrangement. We never felt that. We saw smiles from our classmates who asked where we were from and included us in all their games. When we learn about the resources of your country, aside from rice, wood and the great coconut, the big resource is the heart you give and the heart that oversees others, like the caretakers here who are taking care of our aged. Those are the values that I still love and respect. I was never made to feel less because I was a refugee or an immigrant. I was always allowed to be part of their lives. I am deeply thankful for letting me express my gratitude to you.
Ephraim Ben-Matityahu: Thanks to the open door and open hearts of President Quezon and the people of this country, 1,300 Jewish people were saved from certain death in Europe, and Margot, like so many others, was given a chance to live her life and create a wonderful family.
