HYDERABAD: Amid Israel’s war with its neighbours, at least 100 workers from Telangana landed in Tel Aviv, mainly to work in the construction industry.
The workers say they are ready to engage in masonry, carpentry, and construction work, even as wailing sirens warning against missile attacks and rush into bomb shelters become routine in certain parts of that country.
A substantial pay of around Rs 1.5 lakh a month, free accommodation and food, are the major attractions for the workers to take up the jobs, at a time when it seems unlikely peace will return to the region any time soon.
Sources said the workers reached Tel Aviv in two batches and, that, another batch is expected to land there soon.
Ramesh Gangadhari, 37, a mason from Mancherial, who was part of one of the initial batch of workers from Telangana, landed in Tel Aviv on Oct 7. He says everything looks normal in Tel Aviv.
“We found the place safe. We see no reason to fear for our lives, as Israel has built adequate defence systems to protect its people,” Ramesh told TOI over phone on Wednesday.
“We were given a warm welcome at the airport. We went around Tel Aviv and found the people friendly. They have a special warmth for Indians,” he said.
‘900 workers keen to take up jobs in Israel’
P Naresh, another worker from Nirmal, dispelled any misgivings about his personal safety. “Initially, it appeared to be risky as Tel Aviv was targeted by Iran on Oct 1 but, having landed in Israel, we are comfortable,”.
After the Oct 7 attack by Hamas last year, Israel restricted thousands of Palestinians from working in Israel and, instead, requested India to send workers to its cities to replace them.
After Tel Aviv’s request to the Indian govt for construction workers and caregivers to be sent there, the Centre directed National Skill Development Corporation to send skilled workers to meet the demand in Israel.
A batch of workers from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh was first sent to Israel in April this year.
The Telangana Overseas as Manpower Company (TOMCOM) in Hyderabad also took up the mantle, identifying workers willing to go to the embattled country.
“We are compiling figures of exactly how many workers will travel to Israel to take up work there,” an official of TOMCOM said, adding that at least 900 workers have shown interest in taking up various jobs in Israel.
