Indian Workers in Israel Choose Daily Sirens and Shelters Over Evacuation

Following the October 2023 Hamas attack, over 15,000 Indian workers filled construction jobs in Israel left vacant by Palestinians. Despite the Iran-Israel conflict and frequent missile alerts, most Indians choose to stay rather than evacuate. Workers rely on Israel’s efficient alert systems and shelters, ranging from small “miklat” bunkers to large fortified spaces. Many, like carpenters and tilers, earn ₹1.5–2.5 lakh monthly, which they say outweighs the risks. Supervisors guide them via WhatsApp groups, emphasizing caution. With jobs scarce in India, these workers feel safer and respected in Israel, planning only short visits home, especially around Diwali.