Israel-Hamas conflict: Indian workers cope as war completes a year

Israel's inflation rate surged in August to its highest rate in nearly a year to 3.6 percent from 3.2 percent in July, its highest level since last October.

The armed conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas that started on October 7 last year has spilled over into Lebanon. Almost a year to the date when Hamas fired missiles into Israel and attacked military bases and civilian settlements on the border with Gaza, Indian workers in Israel remain confident of keeping their jobs despite facing unique challenges as they strive to go about their daily lives without compromising their safety.

The conflict has thrust them into an unfamiliar and unsettling situation, marked by a combination of fear, resilience and cautious optimism.

“The current situation in Israel is not bad and we are somehow leading a normal life. However, there is no peace of mind. We are going to work but when sirens blare, we immediately hide in bunkers or safety rooms,” said 40-year-old Puspur Sarangadhar, who works in Tel Aviv as a caregiver.

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Hailing from Telangana’s Nirmal city, Sarangadhar’s main challenge now is insufficient work opportunities unlike pre-war times, reducing his income by 30 percent.

Besides, prices of groceries too have doubled since early 2023, claimed other Indian workers in Israel.

According to Reuters, Israel's inflation rate surged in August to its highest rate in over a year to 3.6 percent from 3.2 percent in July, levels previously seen last October.

“The average number of days workers used to work has reduced to four from seven. This is coupled with rising prices of essential commodities such as vegetables and milk," Swadesh Parkipandla, president of Pravasi Mithra Labour Union Telangana state, told Moneycontrol.

However, there is a different level of optimism among workers. Despite the challenges, many Indian workers in Israel remain committed to their jobs and the families they are supporting back in India. In fact, Parkipandla said there is a batch of another 30 people ready to leave for Israel on October 15.

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Among the latest arrivals is Mahendar Reddy who came to Petah Tikva in central Israel on July 9, 2024. Taking tips from his colleagues to heart, he has been dodging dangerous manoeuvres and landed a job safe from areas of conflict.

According to the Embassy of India in Israel, there are about 18,000 Indian citizens in Israel, primarily caregivers employed by elderly Israeli. Others comprise diamond traders, information technology or IT professionals and students.

49-year-old Soma Ravi, who has been a caregiver in Israel since 2006 and president of the 800-member Israel Telangana AssociationZ, claimed not many Indians have been affected by salary cuts, except for a few working near red zones or border areas.

“I have been in touch with Indian embassy officials 24/7 as a safety measure. Since the conflict began, I am guessing only 10 percent Indian workers would have left for home, out of which 90 percent are already back,” Ravi said.

India in April 2024 urged Israel to ensure the safety of Indian construction workers travelling under the framework of a bilateral mobility agreement.

In the latest development, week-long strikes by Israel in Lebanon killed seven high-ranking commanders and officials from the powerful Hezbollah militant group, including the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Hezbollah had opened a front to support its ally Hamas in the Gaza Strip a day after the Palestinian group's surprise attack on southern Israel.