12 hours ago
Missile strikes have tremor-like impact: NE caregivers in Tel Aviv
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Guwahati: Amid heightened tension between Israel and Iran, northeast Indians living in Tel Aviv have experienced sleepless nights, frequently taking shelter in govt bunkers at Tel Aviv Central Bus Station, one of the nation's largest terminals.
Approximately 50 Indians reside in the Levinsky 123 apartment complex in Tel Aviv, with about 10 from the NE region. The surrounding areas house roughly 300 Indians. These residents remain hopeful that the conflict will end before they need to consider returning to India.
Two caregivers, Sandeep Bista from Kanglatongbi Shantipur in Imphal, Manipur, and Suraj Gelal from Dhekiajuli near Tezpur in northern Assam, have chosen to stay in Tel Aviv unless conditions become unmanageable.
Their decision stems from significantly higher wages — quadruple what they would earn in India — and their dedication to caring for elderly residents.
"The impact of missile strikes is comparable to a 6.0 magnitude earthquake shaking the city. So far the missiles have probably landed at least two kilometres away from our apartment, but when they travel through the air, it feels as if they could drop anywhere close to us," Sandeep told TOI from Tel Aviv on Monday evening.
Despite the current risks, the monthly salary of approximately Rs 1.22 lakh for caregivers and their sense of responsibility motivates them to remain in Israel. Sandeep arrived in Israel after finishing a basic nursing course in New Delhi five years ago.
Sandeep recalled witnessing the Israel-Hamas conflict in the past, noting that most missiles then were intercepted and people felt relatively safe. "This time it's extreme.
Many missiles could not be intercepted and when they drop, massive tremors, like an earthquake, shake our hearts," he said.
Suraj described the Tel Aviv Bus Station bunker as substantial, capable of protecting hundreds of people. "We are fortunate the bunker is within 100 metres from our apartment. Last night, the siren rang at 8 pm, 1 am, and 4 am. Every time we rushed to the bunker and could not sleep all night," he said.
The caregivers reported that the Home Front Command mobile app alerts users approximately 30 minutes before Iranian missile launches. Public sirens sound about 10 minutes before expected impact, allowing sufficient time for evacuation, according to Sandeep.
"When the message comes, our smartphone screens turn red and the mobile starts vibrating. Our entire focus remains on the smartphones," said Suraj, a caretaker and member of the Gorkha Employer Care of Israel Association.
