Amid the joint US-Israeli attack on Iran, it’s business as usual for workers from Uttar Pradesh – about 6,000 of them in Israel – even as their families worry about their safety.
These workers reveal that the work has not stopped, but they are seeking safety in bunkers when sirens sound during a missile attack.
Dozens of young men from villages like Jagdishpur, which falls under Dewa police station area in Barabanki district, are working as laborers in Israel, some of them in cities near Tel Aviv.
While their families back home worry about their safety, these workers reassured them via video calls that they are safe and monitoring the situation.
More than two dozen people from Barabanki, including Ankur Singh and Rajpal Singh, residents of Jagdishpur village in Dewa, work as builders and closing workers in Israel. Rajpal Singh had returned to Israel about four months ago.
“Often we can witness the defusing of rockets and bombs fired at Israel in the air,” said Ankur Singh, speaking about the situation via video call from Ramallah. “I live with a group of 10 people. Some of them went to the market to buy groceries, while others went out for a walk.”
Laxman Singh, Ankur’s father, said: “My son told me that everything is fine and that they are safe. It is up to him if he wants to return in such a situation. We are confident that he is in safe hands and there is no imminent danger.”
Meanwhile, Manoj Kumar Nishad from the small village of Sahibpurwa in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district is confident that there is nothing to worry about. His nephews Ram Achal and Abhinav work in Israel.
“We are in constant contact with my two nephews. Rockets are falling every 10 minutes, sirens are going off but all the workers are safe in the bunkers. They have been at their jobs, but they go to the bunkers like everyone else when the sirens go off. I just spoke to them this morning and it seems like the situation is under control. The embassy is also in constant contact with them.”
Speaking to HT via video call from Israel, Ram Achal, who was at his construction site about 170 kilometers from Tel Aviv, said, “The work never stops here. We went to a bunker only yesterday when the siren went off. We got about 10 minutes to go to the bunkers, which is enough,” said Rajbhar, who was dressed as a construction worker and showed that the situation was calm despite the war.
“My family back home was a little worried but we are confident. The Indian embassy is also in constant touch with us and we receive regular updates from them. I think the last time there was a conflict between Israel and Iran, the situation was more serious than this time. We have learned of some damage in the city of Hadera, but there is nothing serious here at the site where we are working,” Ram Achal said, adding that in some places only the debris of intercepted missiles had fallen.
According to the security advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv, all Indian citizens have been advised to remain vigilant, follow the instructions of local authorities, and avoid unnecessary movement. All of these workers work on various construction projects in Israel. They were selected through the National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC) and PIBA, which are run by the Israeli government.
The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has issued 24-hour helpline numbers: +972-54-7520711, +972-54-2428378. PIBA has also released a helpline number, 1-700-707-889, run by the Center for International Migration and Integration.
About 42,000 Indian nationals currently reside in Israel, including 6,004 construction workers from Uttar Pradesh.
The state government explained that immediate action will be taken in the event of any emergency and all possible assistance will be provided to the workers and their families.
The UP Labor and Employment Department is in constant touch with the National Skill Development Corporation and the Indian Embassy to ensure prompt action in any situation. Neha Prakash, Recruitment Director, and PK Pundir, Additional Director, also coordinated with NSDC officials and directed them to continuously review the safety arrangements for the workers.
