Daily Lives of Nepalis in Israel: Entering Shelters, Exiting, and Working Amid Conflict
Image source, Getty Images
As conflict continues with Iran, concerns over the safety of Nepali workers in Israel are rising at home, while those on the ground share mixed experiences with the BBC.
Most Nepali caregivers report little concern about security, whereas workers in the agricultural sector express some unease.
They describe their daily routines during attacks, including entering bunkers or shelters when alerted, leaving them, and continuing work as usual.
Since the end of February, following a joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, Tehran has been launching strikes on Israeli cities.
Nonetheless, Nepali workers continue to lead relatively normal daily lives without shortages or increase in prices of essential goods.
Caregivers Display Calm Amid Conflict
Image source, Ramesh Duwadi
Matrika Timalsina from Lalitpur, who has worked as a caregiver in Israel for nearly 19 years, recently returned from a visit to Nepal.
After completing two months of leave, she rejoined her office and expresses little concern about the ongoing war in the Middle East.
“Work continues. As soon as air raid sirens sound, people head to bunkers. Afterwards, they return to work. Everything is proceeding as usual,” she told the BBC by phone.
According to her, work has not stopped even during the conflict. “Daily life is running normally. There has been no major physical damage in my area,” she added.
During Iran-Israel conflict periods, the time to reach a bunker in Gaza used to be three to four minutes, now extended to five to ten, she stated.
“There is sufficient time to reach the shelter,” Timalsina explains. However, because Iran is firing missiles from farther distances, more time is required to reach Israel, resulting in longer defensive warning periods.
She has received alerts on her phone four times in the last 48 hours. The frequency of warnings varies by geographic location.
Areas with more Iranian attacks, including both military and urban zones, receive more warnings.
Adequate Shelter Access Ensured
Ali Mohammad from Gorkha has been working as a caregiver in Israel for eight years.
If the current fighting ceases, he plans to visit Nepal for Eid al-Adha festivities.
There was a previous conflict lasting about one and a half weeks between Iran and Israel, but this time, he feels more apprehensive.
“It’s a bit frightening when outdoors, and there’s some fear. But my family in Nepal is more worried,” Ali told the BBC.
He reassured about Israel’s security arrangements, saying: “Security measures remain active; we go to bunkers and return to work when the danger passes. So far, everyone is safe.”
Private Israeli residences and public places also have bunkers or shelters, accessible to anyone when necessary, Ali explained.
Image source, Matrika Timalsina
Neetu Prefers Not to Return Quickly
Neetu Khatri from Kathmandu has been working as a caregiver in Israel for 16 years.
She started working there even before the ‘G-to-G’ agreement between Nepal and Israel.
During the current conflict, her family has expressed worry, which she shared on the phone.
“My sisters ask me to return to Nepal. My son messages, worried if I am offline for seven hours, asking ‘What happened?’ even when I have just woken up,” Khatri said.
“There is no need to worry about security; just staying in the shelter is enough. I don’t want to leave immediately; I wish to stay longer as the situation improves,” she added.
She said that in the shelters or bunkers, people from Israel and other countries stay together with no discrimination felt.
Concerns Among Agricultural Workers
Although caregivers appear reassuring regarding safety, Nepali workers in agriculture feel comparatively more anxious.
Rajan Duwadi, 38, from Dhading, has been working at a chicken farm in Tiberias, Israel for two years.
He said the current conflict with Iran feels different and has caused mental stress.
“It’s very different from before. The mental stress is constant. The fear of sirens never leaves,” he told the BBC.
“We think we are safe working in agriculture, but if targeted, we would be very vulnerable,” he said.
“The siren sounds loudly, and notifications arrive on mobile phones as well.”
Image source, Harisharan Bajgain
Reassuring Family Through Video Calls
Harisharan Bajgain from Kavrepalanchok is currently in Israel working in fruit picking. He told the BBC, “It’s raining so I haven’t gone to the farm today. I will go once the rain stops.”
He stated that daily routines are relatively normal despite the ongoing conflict.
“People working and locals also think this is the normal situation here,” he said.
Bajgain reported feeling less personal concern than his relatives in Nepal.
“When going out to market, I video call my family to show them everything and reassure them,” he added.
However, working on farms has its difficulties, especially during attacks above cities, though farmers remain somewhat protected, he explained.
Strong Supply Chain Maintained
Despite the ongoing war, Nepali workers report no shortage or price hike of consumer goods in Israel.
“All goods are available as usual,” said Timalsina.
Khatri shared that sometimes she even finds discounts on some items. “Many goods haven’t increased in price, and in some cases, there are discounts,” she mentioned.
Duwadi also expressed confidence in the stable supply system: “It’s reassuring that the supply chain is strong, with no shortages and stable prices.”
With good job opportunities and services, many Nepalis are reluctant to return home. Minimum salaries exceed NPR 300,000, along with other benefits.