Upon landing in Tel Aviv, a chance encounter unfolded between two Indian sisters, Reena and Poonam, both caregivers working in Israel. Their meeting occurred in the immigration queue, where Reena, an experienced caregiver living in Tel Aviv, shared insights into her life abroad. Originating from Manipur, Reena’s journey reflects the resilience and adaptability of many Indian professionals.

Reena has been residing in Israel for three years, witnessing significant events including the October 2023 Hamas attack and subsequent military operations in Gaza. Being away from home during such troubling times has deeply influenced her experiences and perceptions of safety, especially as her sister Poonam works in Ashdod, further from the epicentre of hostility.

Challenges of Living Abroad

Throughout their time in Israel, both Reena and Poonam have dealt with uncertainty and security threats. Reena confirmed to her conversation partner that she had been in Israel during Iranian missile strikes, vividly recalling how the civil populace was forced to adapt to such crises. Their experiences are compounded by the fact that many Indian workers, unlike transient journalists, remain in these challenging environments to earn a living.

The Indian Embassy organised evacuations during times of heightened conflict, but many chose to stay, including the sisters. Their recent trip to India illustrated the volatility of their home state, where curfews had been enforced due to renewed violence, serving as a reminder that both locations present unique challenges.

Despite facing difficulties in both regions, the sisters attribute their migration to Israel primarily to better job opportunities and the desire to financially support their family back in Manipur. They have acclimatised to the warning systems used in Israel, a skill that has become essential for living in a country marked by periodic conflict.

Continuing Resilience Amidst Conflict

Poonam recalled a particular incident from June 2025, when a missile struck a nearby power station. She reacted swiftly, heading to an underground bunker, showcasing the quick thinking that many residents have had to adopt. Both sisters have consistently managed to continue their work despite the threats, highlighting their commitment to supporting their families back home.

Their determination embodies the spirit of over 20,000 Indians working in diverse sectors in Israel, from caregiving to software services. They have navigated a landscape rife with geopolitical tension while maintaining the hope for stability in their current environment and for their families back in India.

India and Israel recently formalised an agreement to facilitate the employment of an additional 50,000 Indian workers, reflecting the continued trust and cooperation between the two countries. The ongoing Middle Eastern conflict has undoubtedly affected the Israeli economy, with rising inflation and anxiety rampant among local citizens. However, for workers like Reena and Poonam, peace is a vital necessity that goes beyond mere political aspirations.

The Personal Wish for Peace

Both sisters maintain a strong connection to their roots, wishing for peace not just in their immediate surroundings but for their families back home. Their experiences illustrate the broader journey of many Indian expatriates, who persist in their endeavours despite the uncertainties posed by international conflicts.

As they adapt to life nearly 3,500 miles from home, the sisters embody the resilience that characterises many overseas workers. Their stories reflect the hopes and dreams of a community that seeks prosperity while navigating an often unstable world.

The complexity of their situation represents a microcosm of the realities faced by expatriates everywhere, emphasising the balance between personal aspirations and the inherent risks of living in a volatile region.

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