Telugu expats in Israel on the edge but not ready to return to India

Israeli and other nationals taking shelter in an underground bunker in a part of Tel Aviv amid escalating military tensions between Israel and Iran. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

For seasoned Telugu expatriates living in Israel for over a decade and half now, the present military escalation with Iran appears to be the most scary situation, they have undergone in recent years.

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“We have seen the conflict with Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis but this present war is much more serious, tense and for the first time left us worried,” said Soma Ravi, president of Israel Telangana Association representing over 1000 Telugus from Telangana.

Even as Ravi was speaking to The Hindu late on June 17 night, sirens blared prompting him and his fellow expats along with their Israeli employers to rush into the bunkers to take protect themselves from a barrage of missiles that landed on the streets of Israeli Capital Tel Aviv.

“Its raining missiles every where and this is the first time the impact and seriousness is being felt,” he said adding that although the Indian Government has extended all support through its Embassy in Tel Aviv, as of now, very few from Telangana or Andhra Pradesh have registered their names to take a flight out of the conflict zone.

Many from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are employed as caregivers to the elderly Israelis living alone. Having gained their confidence over a period of time with commitment, these expats are much sought after, the Israel Telangana Association claims stating that while those who have been working here for long time have got used to the tensions. “Its only the new comers, who came to on work permit last year in the construction and allied sectors are feeling insecure,” Ravi said adding that the situation is likely to continue to be tense for over the next few days.

Former President of the Association Mahesh Goud pointed out that they all resided in Ramadgan Helez area of Tel Aviv and his fellow workers had seen missiles landing 100 metres away from their houses.

“We all are presently in an underground bunker in a school near our residence. In the last five days, we have rushed umpteen number of times into the safety bunkers as siren continue to blare and the Israeli fighter jets and helicopters hover over the Capital Tel Aviv,” he said.

Mahesh along with Ravi, who had seen the first wave of Hamas raids on Israeli territory in 2023 October said the intensity of the attack this time is serious and worrisome. “This time, missiles and rockets have managed to hit Tel Aviv and other parts of the country raising concerns,” he said.

Indian Embassy’s appeal

Ravi noted that the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv have requested all Indians living in Israel to register themselves on a war footing with the authorities. “We have been asked to give our names, our native state back in India and present place of work in Israel,” Mahesh said.

On the whole, he says it is unlikely that the Telugu expats or those, who have stayed here for quite sometime will take the decision to return home.

Meanwhile, the Telangana Government has set up a helpline centre in Telangana Bhavan in New Delhi to help the expats in Israel seeking help to return to India.

Published - June 18, 2025 10:50 am IST