In War Time, Indian Migrants in Israel Unite

Nizamabad: Indian migrant workers, particularly from Telangana, have come together under the banner of the Israel Telangana Association (ITA) to support fellow community members employed in Tel Aviv and other parts of Israel.

In coordination with the Indian Embassy in Israel, the ITA has formed community groups to address the challenges faced by migrant workers. The association is providing financial assistance and other forms of support as needed. Additionally, it is working on an action plan to enhance services for Indian workers in Israel in the future.

For several decades, thousands of Indian workers have travelled to Israel in search of employment, with many currently engaged across various sectors in the country. Reports indicate that approximately 1,100 people from the erstwhile districts of Nizamabad, Adilabad, and Karimnagar are working as caregivers in Israel. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle from Tel Aviv on Friday, ITA president Soma Ravi stated that the association is currently supporting workers facing health challenges in Israel, as well as extending assistance to their families in India.

Ravi said that the association has provided financial support of over Rs 30 lakh to workers in distress. In addition, the ITA offered aid during the Hud Hud cyclone in Andhra Pradesh, the Covid-19 pandemic, and during conflicts involving Iran and Palestine. He also revealed that representatives of the Indian migrant community met with Union minister for external affairs S. Jaishankar during his recent visit to Israel, and submitted a memorandum requesting work visas for Indian nationals.

The ITA has also been actively working to identify employment opportunities for Indians in Israel’s construction, agriculture, and hotel management sectors. Despite the ongoing conflict in Israel, youth from the northern districts of Telangana continue to express interest in working there to secure better livelihoods.

According to Soma Ravi, officials from the Indian Embassy in Israel are in regular contact with the ITA and are collaborating on several initiatives to support the Indian migrant community.