Post-doc fellow spends sleepless nights
Rourkela: A post-doctoral fellow at a university in Israel is in the grip of fear amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. Taranga Dehury (29) from Maranda, a small village in Angul district, is hopeful that the Indian govt will evacuate him and other students, if required.
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Dehury joined the Institute of chemistry, Hebrew University of Jerusalem in March 2025. He completed his PhD from IIT-BHU, Varanasi, in 2024 after completing MSc from Utkal University in 2018.
"The recent escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict has disrupted daily life. The Hebrew University, along with several other institutions, has temporarily closed. Siren's warning of incoming missiles, drone, or rockets have become routine," said Dehury to TOI over phone from Israel.
The prestigious Weizmann Institute being struck by Iranian missiles also has had its impact. "Despite Israel's advanced missile defence systems like the iron dome, arrow, and THAAD, no technology can offer complete protection. Several missiles have impacted different areas, and there have been civilian casualties. Every time the sirens sound, we must take shelter, often spending 30 minutes to an hour in underground safe rooms," he added.
Dehury said super markets are open and Jerusalem is relatively safer but the fear is real. "Nights are particularly unsettling, as missile alerts often interrupt sleep. I consider myself fortunate that my accommodation is on the ground floor and close to a shelter making access easier during emergencies," said Dehury. His family is very worried. "We are praying for the safety of my son," said Sriram Dehury, his father.
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Around 500 Indian students are studying at the Hebrew University with many more Indian nationals in other universities and workplaces in Israel. The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has issued advisories urging all citizens to strictly follow safety protocols issued by Israel's Home Front Command.
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