Philippine Ambassador to Israel Pedro Junio Laylo met this week Ralph Preiss, a 92-year-old man whose family was saved during the Holocaust thanks to the Philippines' second President Manuel Quezon.
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Quezon's "open door" policy allowed nearly 1,300 Jews to find refuge in the Philippines between 1937 and 1941, and Priess's family was one of them. During the meeting, Preiss was able to recognize his mother's photo.
The most memorable aspect of the meeting was a beautiful wedding dress made of a special fabric crafted from the fibers of pineapple leaves. Margot Preiss, Ralph's mother, sent the dress from Manila to Connecticut to Marcia Splaver, for her marriage with Ralph on June 27, 1954.
After being redesigned, both of Ralph's daughters, Lisa and Jacqueline, wore the dress during their weddings in 1988 and 1994. The dress was a tribute to President Quezon and a symbol of the family's gratitude for his help during such a difficult time.
At the recent wedding of Ralph's granddaughter, Jordan, she chose to wear the same Manila dress as a testament to the family's enduring appreciation for the president's kindness.
