Indian workers in Israel pick daily drill of sirens, shelters over evacuation
In the heart of Israel, far from their native towns in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, hundreds of Indian workers now live with an unusual routine: listening for sirens, rushing to shelters, and hoping each alert isn’t a real strike. With geopolitical tension escalating in the region, particularly following renewed hostilities involving Iran and Israel, these Indian migrants have chosen resilience and routine over fear and evacuation.
While their days start with regular work shifts—caregiving, construction, and maintenance—the unpredictability of missile alerts has transformed their nights into periods of light sleep and constant readiness.
Sirens and Shelters: A Daily Drill
Missile warnings are not just rare occurrences now. For many Indian workers stationed in cities like Ramat Gan and Tel Aviv, the sound of a siren has become as regular as a clock’s alarm. Once the siren blares, they have mere seconds to find safety. Some live in buildings equipped with underground shelters or fortified “safe rooms”; others rely on nearby public bomb shelters or train stations converted into protection zones.
Yet, despite the gravity of each alert, the workers have developed a calm, almost procedural response. They know exactly where to go, how much time they have, and how long to stay sheltered. It’s not courage born out of recklessness—it’s discipline grounded in adaptation.
Why They Stay
One might wonder why these workers, most of whom are in Israel on caregiving or labor contracts, choose to remain in such volatile conditions. The answer lies in a combination of commitment, necessity, and perspective.
Many of these individuals left India to provide better lives for their families. Returning home prematurely not only risks losing their employment but also forfeits the opportunity they worked so hard to secure. Additionally, the Indian government has not issued any formal advisories urging evacuation. In the absence of a critical threat, the decision to stay is seen as a matter of practical endurance.
Moreover, despite the sirens and occasional sheltering, Israel’s essential services—public transportation, electricity, and water—continue to function. Workplaces remain open, and day-to-day activities go on, albeit cautiously.
Mental Fortitude: Coping with Crisis
The emotional weight of living in a conflict zone is not lost on these workers. Many admit to sleeping lightly, often staying semi-alert at night. Some have taken to sleeping with their shoes and documents nearby, just in case they need to rush out at short notice.
Still, they maintain remarkable emotional control. A common sentiment among them is the desire not to worry their families back in India. Calls home are kept short and simple, with little mention of the sirens or close calls. They don’t want their loved ones panicking over events they cannot influence.
In this shared experience of tension, solidarity has emerged. Workers look out for one another, share information, and encourage calm during shelter drills. It is this unity that provides a sense of security even when the situation outside is anything but secure.
India’s Position: Watchful but Not Alarmed
The Indian Embassy in Israel remains in contact with its citizens and has so far not raised the alarm. Officials are monitoring the situation closely, providing helpline numbers and asking citizens to follow safety protocols issued by the Israeli government.
In previous conflicts, India has executed quick and efficient evacuations when necessary, such as during the Russia-Ukraine war or earlier escalations in West Asia. However, given the current scale and spread of conflict in Israel, no such move has been deemed necessary as of now.
Nonetheless, Indian citizens abroad are advised to keep travel documents ready, stay in touch with embassy updates, and avoid unnecessary movements during times of tension.
A Glimpse Into Their Day
From sunrise to sunset, the routine for these workers is surprisingly “normal” under the circumstances. Caregivers tend to the elderly or people with disabilities, while laborers continue with construction or maintenance projects. They take buses, shop for groceries, and even gather for communal meals in the evenings.
But beneath this layer of normalcy lies a shared awareness: the day could change at any moment. A siren could pierce the air. A scramble to the basement might interrupt dinner. A phone call might bring news of another airstrike.
And still, they stay.
Conclusion: Standing Tall Amid the Storm
Indian workers in Israel are embodying a quiet bravery. Their decision to stay amid rising conflict isn’t about being reckless or uninformed—it’s about resilience, economic necessity, and trust in safety protocols. With support from each other and guidance from both Israeli and Indian authorities, they continue their work and daily lives, showing that strength isn’t always loud—it can also be the quiet decision to keep moving forward, one day at a time.
Their story is one of adaptation, hope, and unwavering resolve in the face of uncertainty. And for now, that story continues under the sirens’ echo, with eyes always on the nearest shelter—but hearts firmly set on perseverance.
