Ukrainian Refugee Tetiana Kurakova's New Life in Israel Disrupted by Iranian Missile Attack

Tetiana Kurakova, a Ukrainian makeup artist, fled her war-torn country in 2022, hoping to escape the devastation. She settled in Bat Yam, Israel, where she rebuilt her life. However, an Iranian missile recently struck the building next to hers, killing nine people and injuring many others. The attack was part of ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which began with Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian sites.

Kurakova is among approximately 30,000 Ukrainians who have relocated to Israel since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. About half have gained citizenship through Jewish heritage. Kurakova herself does not have citizenship and initially left Ukraine via Poland after enduring constant strikes for a month. In Israel, she found support from friends and professional contacts.

Impact on Ukrainian Community

Five Ukrainians from the same family were among those killed in the Bat Yam attack. They had come to Israel seeking medical treatment for a young girl with blood cancer. The Ukrainian Embassy in Israel is working to repatriate their bodies but faces challenges due to closed airspace amid ongoing attacks.

Bat Yam has become a refuge for many Ukrainians due to its large population of former Soviet Union residents. The city offers a lower cost of living compared to nearby Tel Aviv. However, older buildings often lack adequate shelters, posing risks during conflicts.

Living Amidst Conflict

Kurakova's experience in Israel has been marked by fear and uncertainty. She recalls being frightened after Hamas attacked southern Israel in October 2023. Although the fighting was 60 kilometres away, she could hear explosions from Gaza at night. The recent missile strike brought the conflict uncomfortably close to home.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in 24 deaths and hundreds of injuries in Israel. Missiles have hit numerous sites, including residential buildings and a hospital. Air raid sirens frequently force residents to seek shelter.

Challenges in Iran

In Iran, the situation is equally dire. Over 600 people have died, including more than 200 civilians, according to a Washington-based Iranian human rights group. Many residents of Tehran have sought refuge in metro stations or fled the city altogether.

Kurakova's mother remains in Russian-occupied Donetsk and urges her daughter to leave Israel for safety elsewhere. Kurakova is torn between two conflicts and uncertain about her next steps. She feels terrified by the hopelessness of her situation.

A Difficult Decision

The missile blast damaged Kurakova's apartment, leaving structural concerns that may prevent her return home. Thousands of Israelis have been displaced due to similar destruction across the country.

Despite previously finding comfort in Israel's air defence systems, Kurakova now questions their effectiveness. "That was the reason I left Ukraine," she said, expressing disbelief that such violence could occur in her new home.

The ongoing conflict continues to affect both Israelis and Iranians deeply, with no clear resolution in sight. As Kurakova grapples with her decision on where to go next, she remains haunted by memories of fleeing Ukraine and now faces similar fears in Israel.

With inputs from PTI