Indians In Israel Express Panic Amid Escalating Tensions In Middle East: 'Never Seen Something As...'

Indian citizens residing in Israel have voiced their fear for safety after Iran launched a series of ballistic missiles on Israel. Several Indians shared videos of Israeli defense systems intercepting Iranian missiles and described the challenges they face as tensions escalate, with Israel vowing to retaliate, increasing concerns of a full-scale conflict.

"It is getting scarier by the day," said Nilabja Roychowdhury, a medical student at Bar-Ilan University in Tel Aviv, who hails from Madhyamgram near Kolkata, in an interview with The Times of India.

Rajesh Medicherla, a caregiver from Telangana working in Tel Aviv, also expressed concern, stating, "The situation is tough... We have not seen something as threatening as this ever."

Roychowdhury recalled a recent incident where a bomb landed just 100 meters from a friend's house, saying, "I could have been in his house too." He compared the current crisis with the October 7 conflict between Israel and Hamas, saying that the tension now is much greater.

Several Indian citizens, including Sarangadhar Puspur, another caregiver from Telangana, shared similar concerns. Puspur noted that many came to Israel for better job opportunities, but now fear for their safety.

"I have to take care of the educational expenses of my two children," he explained.

As missile strikes continue, Israeli authorities have instructed residents, including Indians, to seek refuge in bomb shelters.

"We are in the safety room. No need to worry, but just before the siren blows, you need to go into the safety room," one Indian from Telangana shared in a video posted by PTI.

In response to the crisis, the Indian Embassy in Israel issued an advisory urging citizens to stay alert, follow local safety protocols, and avoid unnecessary travel.

"Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country, and stay near safety shelters," the advisory said, adding that the embassy is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of the approximately 18,000 Indians in Israel, which include caregivers, diamond traders, IT professionals, and students.