Indian Embassy issues advisory, urges Indians in Israel to be ‘vigilant’
Embassy advises Indian nationals in Israel, about 18,000 in number, to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement and follow safety protocol
In view of the surprise and unprecedented war-like situation in Israel’s southern parts that has killed at least 22 people, the Indian Embassy on Saturday (October 7) asked all Indian nationals in Israel to “remain vigilant” and “observe safety protocols”.
The surprise attack by Hamas militants from Gaza at daybreak killed at least 22 Israelis and wounded hundreds of others. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared “war” and said his country would extract an “unprecedented price” from its enemy.
“In view of the current situation in Israel, all Indian nationals in Israel are requested to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities. Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay close to safety shelters,” the Indian Embassy said in its advisory. The advisory gave relevant phone numbers in case of emergency and also provided URLs for Israeli Home Front Command and Preparedness brochures.
The advisory was issued in English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada languages.
According to the information available on the website of the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv, there are about 18,000 Indian citizens in Israel, primarily caregivers employed by Israeli elders, diamond traders, IT professionals and students.
There are approximately 85,000 Jews of Indian origin in Israel, too, who were part of the main waves of immigration into Israel from India in the 1950s and ’60s.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, “Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.”
Meanwhile, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Saturday (October) sought the help of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to rescue 27 people from the state stranded in the war-like situation between Israel and Palestine. Sangma said he is in touch with the ministry to bring the people back home to the state.
Taking to X, he said, “27 citizens of Meghalaya who traveled to Jerusalem for the Holy Pilgrimage are stuck in Bethlehem due to the present tension between Israel and Palestine.” Sangma said. “I am in touch with the MEA to ensure their safe passage back home,” the chief minister added.
Jerusalem is one of the international destinations for Christians in Meghalaya for its religious importance.
(With agency inputs)
